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C-^^O. 



HISTORY OF COMPANY K 



OF THE 



140th Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. 

(1862--'65.) 

By B. F. POWELSON, 

(First Sergeant for Over Two Years.) 
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF 

BREVET CAPT. ALECK SWEENEY 

And with the Co-operation of Others of the Company. 



STEUBENVILLE, OHIO: 

The Carnahan Printing Company, 

1906. 






DEDICATION. 



THIS litde volume is, with loving remembrances and in truest 
affection, dedicated to the memory of Company K's dead 
I I and living, w^hose vv^orth as volunteer soldiers, whose courage, 
devotion, fidelity, sacrifice, valor and efficiency were proven in many 
a long and difficult march, and in many a hard-fought battle, as well 
as by their return, when the glorious work of preser\'ing the Union 
had been accomplished, to the pursuit of commendable avocations in 
days of peace and prosperity, worthy indeed of the honor a grateful 
nation accords them, as an integral part of the color-guard of its 
patriotism. 



^./B/ye-.^ 



' ft; 




t,ate Photo of B. F. Powelsoist 
The Company Historian 



PREFACE. 



The bulk of what is contained in this book was written with a view to its 
forming a part of a book of the History of the 1 40th Regiment of Pennsylvamia 
Volunteers. At the annual reunion of this regiment at Beaver, Pa., in 1 903, 
it was decided to issue such a book of history under a regimented historian, with 
each company furnishing its individual part thereto, in such facts as perteiined to 
any separate part as played in that dreadful war drama by a company, part of 
a company, or by an individual therein. This was in accord with an expressed 
demand for the placing of the regiment's heroic deeds and illustrious works in 
heroic record, so that the soldier's friends and successors may ever have these 
before them, an inspiration and incentive to the continued progress of their 
country, through a faithful, devoted, loyal citizenship. 

But after more than two years have elapsed, it is found that but few com- 
panies have done their work and no one has been secured to serve for the 
regiment. And as Co. K. hcis for some time practically had its work done, 
and as much time and means have been required, and there is danger through 
death or other untoward event that what has been done may be lost, the com- 
pany has concluded to publish a book for itself, and to give a copy of this 
book to the regiment, so as thus to provide Co. K's part to the history of the 
regiment, whenever the Book of History, as at first proposed, can be issued. 
The earnest desire of our company is that the Regimental History will yet be 
issued, and it stands ready still to do its part towards the same. 

B. F. POWEL^ON. 
Boulder, Colo., January 2, 1906. 



CONTENTS: 



1. Dedication 2 

2. Preface 3 

3. Cursory Statement Concerning the Regiment 5 

4. General History of the Company 10 

5. Sketches of Those Who Have Died Since the War .... 46 

6. Sketches of Those Living 57 

7. Recapitulation of Battles, Casualties, Etc 72 

8. Conclusion 77 



Cursory Statement Concerning the Regiment 



It seems fitting that a cursory view be taken of the services 
performed by the Regiment so that what is written as the History 
of Co. K may be understood and not seem to be too much isolated. 
Perhaps this can be subserved by a swift following of the itinerancy 
of the Regiment, by giving the list of, and some reference to the 
battles and skirmishes fought, and by a summary of casualties. 

Among the many organizations in Pennsylvania volunteer 
soldiery during the Civil War, none stood higher in efficiency in 
service or brilliancy in record than the One Hundred and Fortieth 
Regiment, five companies of which were recruited in Washington 
county, three in Beaver, one in Mercer and one in Greene. Col. 
R. P. Roberts, of Beaver, killed at Gettysburg, was its first Colonel. 
W. S. Shallenberger, now Second Assistant Postmaster General, 
was its efficient Adjutant. This Regiment is accredited with the 
highest per cent of casualties in action of all the regiments enlisted 
in Pennsylvania. It stands fourth in this respect in the entire army 
during that fearful war in the '60s. 

Upon its organization, at Harrisburg, Sept. 8, 1862, the Regi- 
ment was stationed for three months on the Northern Central R. R. 
with headquarters at Parkton, Md. And there, while on important 
guard duty, it was carefully drilled and schooled for military 
service. Then the Regiment, on Dec. 10, '62, was ordered to the 
front. On the evening of Dec. 13th, it marched out of Washington, 
D. C, crossing bridge over East Branch. The route was on the 
Maryland side, through Piscataway to Liverpool Point, from which 
we crossed on a transport vessel to Aquia Creek landing, and thence 
we marched to Falmouth, Va. One week was consumed in the 
marching, and the Regiment stood well the test. Then into winter 
quarters, an integral part of the Army of the Potomac. The Regi- 



6 History of Company K of the 

ment is assigned to Col. Zook's Brigade, Gen. Hancock's Division, 
and in Maj.-Gen. Sumner's Right Grand Division. 

The Regiment had its baptism of blood in the Battle of Chan- 
cellorsville, May 1-5, '63, withstanding the trying ordeal well. 
Back in camp, near Falmouth, the Regiment was skillfully trimmed 
and equipped for greater service. It was to have place ever after 
in a Corps, whose record was most brilliant, the Second, under 
command of the gallant Gen. Hancock. This Corps had in it six 
of the nine regiments sustaining the greatest numerical loss in 
killed during the war, aggregating 1848 out of the 2674 killed in 
the nine regiments. The Regiment was in the First Division, Gen. 
Caldwell commanding, with Gen. Barlow as his successor; and in 
the 3rd Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Zook commanding. He being killed 
at Gettysburg, Gen. Miles came in command of the Brigade. In 
the long and exciting march to Gettysburg, Centerville, Gainsville, 
Edward's Ferry, the Monococy and Uniontown, Md., were impor- 
tant points. Uniontown was^ reached by forced march — fully 35 
miles — by whole Corps in a day; and our Brigade, on July ist, 
was rear-guard for wagon train, most of the 30 miles to Gettys- 
burg being made in the night, and, exhausted, we went on the 
battle line on left center. Eloquent and pathetic was the record 
of the 140th at Gettysburg. The immediate casualties in the Regi- 
ment in the fighting on the evening of July 2, '63, amounted to 
about 60 per cent of the number engaged, our Lieutenant Colonel, 
John Eraser, being by rank in command of Brigade through bal- 
ance of the conflict at Gettysburg. Col. Roberts was shot while 
in front of the Regiment to direct it to change of position to check, 
if possible, the column of the enemy flanking our right. Disastrous 
as was the loss of our brave Colonel at su'ch a time, the Regiment 
faltered not but held its place till ordered out. The Regiment par- 
ticipated in the attempt to intercept Gen. Lee before he could 
recross the Potomac, the route taken being through Frederick City, 
reaching Burkittsville July 8th. Near the vicinity of Williamsport 
we came in touch with the enemy, and on the 14th, near Falling 
Water, we took part in engagement with the rebel rear-guard, a 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 7 

goodly number of them being captured. Thence our route led us 
to Harper's Ferry, across on i8th to Loudon Valley, through Hills- 
boro, to Snicker's Gap, to Bloomfield to Ashby Gap, where we had 
skirmishing, July 22nd; then passing to Linden and east along 
railroad to White Plains, and southward to Warrenton, in the 
vicinity of which the command remained several days, and, passing 
on, reached Morrisville July 31st. Participated in the reconnoisance- 
in-force at the U. S. Ford, Aug. 3ist-Sept. 4th, returning to Morris- 
ville. Crossed over the Rappahannock Sept. 12th; engaged the 
enemy at Culpepper C. H. ; pressed on to the Rapidan, southwest 
of Culpepper, by the 17th, where considerable maneuvering, forti- 
fying and fighting were done, until the early days of October, when 
a retrograde movement began. October nth found the Regiment 
near Bealton Station, north of the Rappahannock. Again the even- 
ing of the 1 2th found us well into the open country south of the 
river ; and a great demonstration was made by campfires, bands, etc. 
But to no purpose, for Lee seemed bent on an attempt to dash into 
Washington. So all night we tramp, crossing the river for the 
third time. Taking the flank of army, we pass to Auburn Creek, 
sometime in the night of 13th, in touch with the enemy most of time. 
Early morning of 14th came the engagement on Auburn Hill, our 
Regiment being in rear-guard of the Corps. Over to Catlett's Sta- 
tion by noon ; then on a run to Bristor's Station, where we fought 
all afternoon, winning a neat victory. Thence to Bull Run, and 
to Centerville by daylight 15th. Lee foiled, and so returns south- 
ward. In a few days we follow. In vicinity of Fayetteville several 
days are spent. Extensive drilling done. The 7th of November 
finds the Regiment near the Rappahannock, east of the O. & A. 
R. R. The 8th we are at Thoms, south of the river, where we 
remain till Nov. 24th. Then came the noted movement across 
the cold Rapidan, and the Mine Run engagement, Nov. 29-30, with 
its varied experiences and rigorous exposures, and return to north 
side, and going into winter quarters at Stevensburg Dec. 7th. On 
Feb. 6, '64, the Regiment took part in the reconnoisance-in-force 
at Morton's Ford on Rapidan. 



8 History of Company K of the 

May 3rd found the whole army on the move. The Regiment, 
crossing the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, plunged into the Wilderness, 
and at once found the Johnnies plentiful, but held them level. In 
battle of Todd's Tavern May 8th. Engaged the enemy on loth 
and nth west and southwest of Spottsylvania C. H. Then came 
the march in dark and rainy night, and at earliest dawn on the 12th 
that most brilliant charge of whole Corps and wholesale capture of 
the garrison of the salient. Here the 140th lost 52 in killed, while 
at Gettysburg the killed numbered 61. 

In this charge Gen. N. A. Miles had command of the ist Bri- 
gade, 1st Division. The 140th was a part of this Brigade, and of the 
Regiment he then and ever after spoke well. Gen, Miles, the lines 
having been formed for the charge, sent his horse to the rear, and, 
placing himself at the head of the Brigade, led it in the charge. Anrt 
he and members of his staf¥ testify that the 140th was the first Regi- 
ment to enter the rebel works. And we deem it worthy to be here 
recorded that, when the Second Corps marched back through the 
vicinity of this battle, after the surrender of Lee, Gen. Miles claimed 
the stump of the tree, cut down by the dreadful rain of the missiles 
of war in that "bloody angle" at Spottsylvania, and took it. And 
Capt. Sweeney, then on his staff, by order conveyed it to Washing- 
ton and turned it over to Secretary Stanton with Gen. Miles' compli- 
ments. This stump is now encased in glass among the war relics at 
Washington City. 

Grant's "fighting it out on that line" took the Regiment on 
through Bowling Green, Milford, to North Anna river, and across 
it, where the enemy is given battle, near Hanover Junction, May 
23-26. River is re-crossed for another flank movement, and the 
140th plods on to near Hanovertown, where again it crosses the 
river, and at Totopotomy Creek engages the enemy, May 29-31, 
where the brave McCollough, commanding, fell. At Cold Harbor 
for days the fight goes on, and the 140th suffers many casualties. 
Then Grant chose to plant his army south of the James, and on 
June 13th the Regiment crossed the Chicahoming at Jones' Bridge, 
and with some skirmishing about Charles City found itself on the 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 9 

14th south of the James; and on the 15th was in the engagement 
in front of Petersburg. We held position for a while on the Jeru- 
salem plank road. On July 27th occurred our engagement with 
the enemy at Deep Bottom, north side of the James. Then the 
return to a place in the line east of Petersburg, where we wrought 
much on the defenses. Again, on Aug. 12th, via City Point and 
transports, the 140th finds itself in Deep Bottom, and fought the 
enemy on the flank, while the 5th Corps broke the enemy's grip on 
the Welden R. R. Then withdrawing in a tedious night march we 
get back to our camp. But we set out at once south along the 
Welden R. R. till we reach Ream's Station. There miles of track 
are destroyed. A. P. Hill's Corps appear to drive us off. A sharp 
conflict wages through afternoon of Aug. 25th. In the shades we 
stole back and took position on the railroad south of Petersburg 
and fortify. In that position the fall and winter are spent, with 
occasional diversions. There was the engagement at Hatcher's 
Run latter part of October, another one Dec. loth, and the Dab- 
ney's Mill on Feb. 6th, '65, constant vigilance not allowing the 
enemy any rest. 

The final campaign opening, the 140th was constantly in touch 
with the enemy from March 25th till Lee's surrender, the special 
engagements being at Sutherland Station April 2nd; Jettersville, 
the 5th; Sailor's Creek, 6th; and Farmville, the 7th. The route 
was directly on line of retreat of Lee's army. The 140th was on 
skirmish line covering road into Appomattox C. H. the morning of 
April 9th, the time of the surrender of the Army of Virginia. 

The Regiment encamped at Burkville from April 13th to Apri/ 
30th. Was at Amelia C. H., May 2nd. And, passing through 
Richmond and on through Fredericksburg, the 140th ended its long 
route of marching at Washington, D. C. May 2^, '65, from which 
it had set out Dec. 13, '62, having marched an aggregate of 1108 
miles, and having taken part in 22 distinct battles, nine marked 
skirmishes and several reconnoisances-in-force. The battles were 
in duration from six hours to five days. With a total enrollment 
of 1 132, 198 were killed in action and 128 died in service. The 



lo History of Company K of the 

wounded numbered 537. The total casualties were about 850. 
There were present at the muster-out on May 31, '65, 295. 

On the disbanding of the Regiment, its citizen soldiery again 
took their places in institutions of learning, offices, shops, stores, or 
on farms, or represented their constiuents in places of trust, content 
that they had done their duty in saving the country, and rejoicing 
in seeing it rise in worth and influence to highest rank among the 
nations of the world. 



General History of Company K. 

Company K's special part of this History of the 140th Regi- 
ment, P. v., is furnished by Ben. F. Powelson, who was Orderly 
Sergeant of the Company for over two years, under the direction 
of First Lieut. Alex. Sweeney, the only surviving commissioned 
officer, with his assistance and the aid and co-operation of other 
members. 

This Company was principally made up of young men from 
the strenuous walks of life, out of good Christian homes, largely 
intelligent sons of husbandry, and not a few having been or being 
hard-working students in academy, college, or theological seminary, 
thus possessing the fundamental qualifications for good military 
service. Possibly it had as small a ratio of men unfit for such 
service as any called out to do duty in the '60s. A few there were, 
of course, who were carried in by the tide of excitement or selfish 
interest, without much consideration, but most, nearly all of the 
members, entered through due reflection, true courage and definite 
conviction. 

Much of K's history will appear in the History of the Regiment, 
for in general this company shared with other companies the move- 
ments and service of the Regiment. It is only the purpose of this 
writing to treat of what pertains specially to the record of indi- 
viduals composing the company and of what was peculiar to the 
company, or in which it was afifected personally or as a unit of 
service. 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. ii 

This Company was recruited during the month of August, 
1862, in Washington county, Pa., under the call for 300,000 volun- 
teers. It was of a composite nature, formed of squads and indi- 
viduals from different parts of the county, though the largest 
constituency was from the north-western part, with Cross Creek 
as the center ; and in consequence of this it was frequently called 
the Cross Creek Company. Wm. A. F. Stockton, son of the Rev. 
Dr. John Stockton, pastor of Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, was 
engaged sometime in recruiting in this region, intent on raising a 
company. He was assisted by B. F. Powelson, his classmate for 
years, and by others. Meetings were held in Cross Creek, Bur- 
gettstown, Eldersville, Paris, Candor and other places. One meet- 
ing in Cross Creek Village was attended and addressed by Dr. 
Wishart and Alessrs. A. and David Acheson, of Washington, the 
county seat. Twenty-three enlisted from Cross Creek, the first 
eleven being sworn in by 'Squire Duncan on Aug. 16. Those re- 
cruited in Paris, in the extreme northwest section of the county, 
footed up 20. A squad of seven enlisted in Candor, under the 
supervision of Wm. B. Cook. Seven hailed from the neighborhood 
of Millsboro, while four others came in from other places in the 
eastern part of the county. Claysville furnished a squad of nine. 
And quite a number came in from the Finley, IMorris and Donegal 
Townships. Alex. Sweeney, Jr., had been out in Claysville and 
West Alexander in that region on a recruiting tour. He and 
Enoch Mounts represented the county seat. 

Those recruited in Cross Creek, Eldersville, Paris and Candor, 
or the Northwest, fifty-five in number, came together on August 
20th at Cross Creek village, where a large concourse of people assem- 
bled and gave them a hearty repast and reception. Thence, after 
taking leave of relatives and friends, they were conveyed by neigh- 
bors, in wagons and other vehicles, sixteen miles to the county seat ; 
and there they for a while went into camp, using for quarters the 
halls of the old Fair Grounds, now the Athletic Grounds of Wash- 
ington and Jefferson College. Here all the recruits were rendez- 
voused, and they were kindly and patriotically treated by the citizens 



12 History of Company K of the 

of Washingtpn, who opened their homes and in many ways gave 
comfort and cheer. 

On the 22nd of August the formal organization of the Company 
was effected, ninety-six entered their names on the Company roll. 
An election of officers was held, resulting as follows : Japtain, Wm. 
A. F. Stockton ; First Lieutenant, Alexander Sweeney, Jr. ; and 
Second Lieutenant, Wm. B. Cook. The non-commissioned officers 
were in the main determined upon, Geo. W. McConnell was entered 
as musician, and the members of the Company began to assume 
military airs and were ready for orders to go forward to active ser- 
vice, and these orders quickly came. Four other Companies, re- 
cruited in Washington county, were known to be ready for assign- 
m.ent to some Regiment. Orders came for the Company to proceed 
at once to Camp Distribution, in old Oakland Fair Grounds near 
Pittsburg. The journey to Pittsburg was rather an ovation. The 
enlisted were taken in conveyances by v^ay of the old turnpike, many 
of their friends accompanying them the whole or part of the way. 
A halt for dinner was made at Canonsburg, where the citizens en- 
tertained the Company in royal style. Their loyalty and enthusiasm 
had a true ring, for they had a Company ready to go into service. 
(This Company became Co. G, of the 140th P. V., and furnished 
the Lieut. Colonel)., Camp Distribution was reached without mis- 
hap, and there the Company was partially equipped. And the ninety- 
six men were mustered into the service of the United States as 
Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war, by Capt. 
Ludington, on the 4th day of September, 1862. 

The names and places of residence are as follows : 

No. Names. Residence. 

1. William A. F. Stockton, Captain _ ...Cross Creek 

2. Alexander Sweeney, Jr., First L^ieutenant Washington 

3. William B. Cook, Second " Candor 

4. Benjamin F. Powelson, First Sergeant. Cross Creek 

5. Milton R. Boyd, Second " _ Claysville 

6. Edward S. Alexander, Third " West Alexander 

7. Thomas C. Hayes, Fourth " Cross Creek 

8. Samuel K. Shindle, Fifth " _ " 

9. Silas Cooke, First Corporal „ _ " 



140TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 



13 



-Cross Creek 



— _ Paris 

Private. Cross Creek 

■ ' — Dunningsville 

" - Paris 



.Millsboro 



-Dunningsville 

Candor 

Paris 

-Millsboro 

Cross Creek 



10. John D. McCabe, Second Corporal „ Paris 

11. Isaac Donaldson, Third " _. Candor 

12. William R. H. Powelson, Fourth Corporal Cross Creek 

13. George Ralston, Fifth Corporal Donegal Twp. 

14. William L. Pry, Sixth " Cross Creek 

15. John F. Gardner, Seventh Corporal Paris 

16. William Hanlin, Eighth " _ " 

17. George W. McCounell, Musician _ " 

18. Allison, James B., Private „ Claysville 

19. Andrews, Abram, " 

20. " Peter 

21. Arthur, James, " 

22. Berry hill, James S., " 

23. Briggs, Lazarus, " 

24. Buchanan, Benjamin B., 

25. Butterfoss, Daniel J., 

26. Carter, George W., 

27. " Jesse M., 

28. " Thomas J., 

29. Chester, Andrew, 

30. Chisholm, Isaac W., 

31. Cochran, James E., 

32. Conaway, Ezra, 

33. Corbin, David W., 

34. " Joseph A., 

35. Cummins, Benjamin H., 

36. Daugherty, Michael, 

37. Davis, Andrew B. , 

38. Day, John M., 

39. Dickson, Henrj^, 

40. Dungan, Robert B., 

41. Earnest, Benjamin F., 

42. Fordyce, James H., 

43. Frazier, Joseph C, 

44. Fulton, John, 

45. Gardner, George, 

46. Geary, William M., 

47. Golden, Isaac, 

48. Graham, Joseph Smith, 

49. Guess, Joseph, 

50. Hanlin, George A., 

51. Hawthorn, Benjamin F., 

52. Henderson, John, 

53. Hull, Robert W., 

54. Johnson, George W., 

55. Lyle, Robert, 
§6. ' ' James C. , 

57. McCalmont, John A., 

58. McClurg, Robert, 

59. McConnell, Harrison, 



-West Alexander 

Paris 

Morris Twp. 

Dunningsville 

Cross Creek 

_ Claysville 



.West Alexander 
Pario 



Candor 

. West Alexander 

Cross Creek 

.West Alexander 

Paris 

Millsboro 

Paris 



East Finley 
Cross Creek 



-Candor 
Paris 



14 History of Company K of the 

60. McCullough, Benjamin, Private Candor 

61. McCurd}^ James K., " Eldersville 

62. McElfish, Owen, " West Finley 

63. Magill, James K. P., " Cross Creek 

64. Makeown, John. " West Alexander 

65. Maloy, John, " Donegal Twp. 

66. Marshall, John, " Claysville 

67. Meldoon, Robert, " West Alexander 

68. Metcalf, Norris, " Eldersville 

69. Miller, William H., " Donegal Twp. 

70. Miller, Isaac, " " 

71. Morris, Jesse J., " Millsboro 

72. Morrow, George, " Paris 

73. Mounts, Enoch, " Washington 

74. Nicheson, Colin R., " Claysville 

75. " JohnW., " 

76. Noah, James L., " ~ Eldersville 

77. Noble, Thomas L., " Claysville 

78. Porter, William, " West Alexander 

79. Pry, David McClurg, " Cross Creek 

80. " RebertA., " 

81. Rea, William, " " 

82. Ruffner, William A., " _ Mound City 

83. Scott, Henderson, '• Paris 

84. " William, " Eldersville 

85. Seese, Nathaniel, " Candor 

86. Sprowls, George, " East Finley 

87. " Jesse M., " " 

88. Staley, Oliver, " West Alexander 

89. Star. George, " " 

90. Stollar, William. " Claysville 

91. Toppin, Johnson, " Millsboro 

92. Virtue, Robert, " Cross Creek 

93. Wheeler, Ulysses, " ■. Eldersville 

94. Wilkins, Thomas. " Cross Creek 

95. Worstell, James, " Paris 

96. Wright, Marshall, " " 

Thence by cars on the Pennsylvania Central R. R., from Pitts- 
burg, with other Companies, this Company was taken to Camp Cur- 
tin, Harrisburg, where it became an integral part of the 140th Regi- 
ment of Pennsylvania Volunteers at the organization of same, Sep- 
tember 8th, 1862, and received the designation of Co. K, its position 
in line being the center of left wing. (A. F. D. I. C. H. E. K. G. B). 
Here the Company was fully equipped, and the few days of bivouac 
on the beautiful Susquehanna were characterized by the making of 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 15 

us full fledged soldiers in the Union army, the first taste of camp 
life, and a number of refreshing baths in the river. 

On the Regiment's being assigned to the guarding of the N. C. 
R. R., south of York, Pa., Co. K was stationed at Monkton, Md., 
about six miles south and distant from Parkton Md., "Camp 
Seward," the headquarters of the Regiment. It had several miles of 
railroad to guard, the chief point being a bridge about three miles 
below Monkton. Its quarters were dubbed "Ambolin Barracks,'' 
consisting of a bunk building of two stories, with a shed room at- 
tached as officers' quarters, and a cook house. A flag pole stood in 
front of the barracks from which "Old Glory" floated gracefully. 
The sergeants, a train of freight cars having been wrecked a short 
time after our being located there, resurrected a box car which had 
been thrown down an embankment, and thus improvised independ- 
ent quarters for themselves, near the main building. 

On October 13th the non-commissioned officers, as appointed by 
the Captain on the organization of the Company, received their cer- 
tificates. 

The period of duty here covered three months, the Company 
participating in all the Regimental drills, inspections, etc., marching 
to and from Parkton on the railroad tracks. The time was well put 
in, in drilling, and in the usual routine of barrack duties. Nothing 
occurred to mar the good name of the Company. The people of the 
vicinity were kind and considerate, and they respected the members 
of Co. K as gentlemen. The homes and assemblies of the people 
were open to them. Many things occurred to render the service here 
a pleasant one. The corn husking and big dinner at Bacon's planta- 
tion, the barn-floor husking and repast at Quaker Matthews', with 
his many favors to the guard at the lower bridge, and like recog- 
nitions, were greatly enjoyed by all who were privileged to partici- 
pate. The soldier's plain fare was abundantly supplemented by the 
Diffendaffer's meals at from 10 cente and upwards, with the luscious 
apple dumplings and peach cobblers with unstinted measure of rich 
cream. Even now our mouths water as we think of those baked 
apple dumplings and richest of cream ! And as Corporal Cook has 



1 6 History op Company K of the 

written, "Where is the one who, when on guard at the upper bridge, 
does not even yet have a sneaking feeHng creep over him when he 
remembers the old Frenchman's peach orchard, and the stuffed 
haversacks that got over the back fence in some way and were found 
at the guard station ?" And no one in Co. K was the worse off if a 
few sacks of oysters were taken from the car with broken truck, 
side-tracked for a day or two ; for that savory article of diet was 
just "too tempting," when the early November snow banks afforded 
so good and safe cold storage. Even the Captain enjoyed the extra 
diet, and suggested that "no trace be left behind." And there was 
none. For a tracer, sent out when a shortage was reported in Har- 
risburg, found none. 

Several of us, too, remember very gratefully the little church up 
in the woods, and that one east of Monkton, whereto occasionally we 
turned our footsteps. Those days of soldiering had much of sun- 
shine in them, which lightened materially the burden of a rigorous 
but useful military discipline. While here the Company was directed 
by special order to serve as guard of honor in the burial of Gen. 
Dixon S. Miles, mortally wounded at the surrender of Harper's 
Ferry, Sept. 15, 1862, whose body was laid to rest in the church 
cemetery a few miles east of Monkton. About the same time, too, 
our hearts were fired a little for more stirring service by the distant 
booming of cannon on the battlefield of Antietam. 

Several of K were subjected to the ravages of fever prevail- 
ing here in the Regiment and incident to exposure and some lack in 
sanitary provisions. Silas Cooke, James C. Lyle, Thomas Wilkin, 
Wm. Porter, John Henderson, A. B, Davis and John Marshall tasted 
of the experiences of the hospital in the old stone church at Parkton. 
John Marshall was the first of the Company's losses. While in 
Parkton for drill and inspection he was badly hurt in going between 
two cars, and died Nov. 17th in the Regimental hospital from the 
injury and fever. Two others of the Company died in this hospital : 
John Henderson, on Dec. 7th, and Andrew B. Davis, on Dec. 9th. 
The name of Thomas L. Noble was dropped from our roll, he being 
on Nov. 28th transferred to the quartermaster's department by 



I40TH PKNNSYI.VANIA VOLUNTEERS. I7 

special order from Regimental headquarters. So, when the order 
came to leave for the army in the field, near Fredericksburg, Va., K's 
strength numbered but 92, and Silas Cooke, J. C. Lyle and Wm. Por- 
ter, sick, must be left behind in hospital at Little York, Pa. Our 
dead had been sent back for burial in their home burial places. 
Good soldiers they were, though they never saw much of the "grira 
visage" of war. On the morning of the loth of December Co. K bid 
adieu to Monkton and marched with everything to Parkton, Col. 
Roberts having received orders to go to the front, the transportation 
to be ready that evening. It was with some feeling of regret that the 
members of K left Monkton, for they had become attached to the 
place and people, but the prospect of entering into more active and 
stirring soldier life captivated and filled everyone with enthusiasm, 
and the march to Parkton was made amid continuous peals of glee 
and cheerfulness. And so, as late in the evening the train passed 
down through Monkton, the generous cheering of people and soldiers 
showed how strong had become the ties of friendship. 

Co. K shared with G a room in the Union Relief Association 
building in Baltimore the night of the loth. At night on the nth, 
the Regiment was crowded in old freight cars, open and destitute 
of arrangements for fire. The weather was cold, and the whole 
night was consumed on the way to the Capitol, causing no little 
sufifering from cold, some keeping "courage up" by little fires kept 
burning on floor or seats from whittlings from pine benches. 

Co. K was in her place as the 140th marched through Pennsyl- 
vania avenue, Washington City, with flying colors, about 4 p. m., on 
the 13th, setting out for Burnside's army. The first night's camping 
out was such a one as to be long remembered, in a wet bottom, with 
scarcely a redeeming feature. In K's memorandum it is styled as 
"Camp Misery." But the second night's lodging showed a com- 
mendable readiness for improvement in the school of experience, 
and Co. K was not behind in learning to accommodate itself to any 
conditions. So we dubbed that night's lodging amid the pines 
"Camp Hope." And so those days of marching, with sunshine and 
rain, with favorable and unfavorable news from the battle being 



1 8 History of Company K of the 

waged at Fredericksburg, with the varied experiences on the way, 
were to the Company, a good schooUng, for the strenuous and vigor- 
ous service upon which we were entering. From Aquia creek on to 
the front our illustrative lessons were those of war's desolations. 
The soldiers of our defeated army, returning to their former camp- 
ing grounds, blackekned with the smoke of battle, make an impres- 
sion on the mind and heart of each of us as we march by them into 
a place designated for our camping ground. This was hailed as 
well selected, a woods where pines and oaks abounded, timely for the 
construction of winter quarters. This was at nightfall on the 20th 
of December, the closing of a week of real soldiering, testing well 
the men's powers of endurance. The reflections of the writer, as 
found in his memoranda book, express well the sentiments prevailing 
that Saturday night : "It seems refreshing to look out over our Com- 
pany as the boys, with tents pitched, rest and commune in a spirit of 
contentment and good will. They sit beside blazing fires, pressed 
closer and closer to them by the cold wintry air. Some are crawling 
into their nests early — and gladly do they lay themselves down to 
rest, to dream of the dear ones left at home and of future happy days. 
Poor soldiers, rest in peace, with the consciousness that you are en- 
deavoring to do your duty as God gives you opportunity. Remem- 
ber, too, that while you are pilgrim soldiers here in this strange land, 
amid danger, sin and death, the prayers and good wishes of thous- 
ands follow you. Think of those loved ones in the pleasant home 
circle, encircled by all that makes life happy — think of your cher- 
ished institutions and sanctuary privileges ; of your rich farms ; of 
your prosperous towns and cities — vour enterprising factories; your 
commerce ; your country's religious freedom and civil liberty. Think 
of the cost in the purchase of this boon — the sacrifice of our fore- 
fathers — the shed blood of patriots. And think now of recreant 
hands uplifted to destroy our government, striking from our history 
its brightness, trampling under foot our glorious flag — symbol of 
our might. Think of these things, and feel proud of the position 
you occupy — soldiers for the Union." 

Co. K's men showed a good degree of skill and efficiency in con- 



140TH Pennsyi^vania Volunteers. 19 

structing the winter quarters, following with commendable accuracy 
the general instructions. So that in the remaining days of December 
the work was about fully done and the boys were at home in their 
village of booths, having in the same time become fairly well initiated 
in the requirements of the service, embracing all kinds of drill, in 
squad. Company, Regiment and Brigade, with inspections and re- 
views, an extensive review of the Right Grand Division (Sumner's) 
having taken place on the 23rd, Gen. Burnside being present. And 
K responded readily to her share of details for special duty, and 
for police, guard and picket duties. On the i8th day of January K 
shared in the delight of the Regiment in receiving Springfield rifles 
to supplant our old Austrian muskets. A glad good-bye to the old 
kickers ! 

In the months in camp near Falmouth, Co. K endured hard- 
ships, severities, exposures and privations that tested physical endur- 
ance to the utmost, and in them had a schooling that was to tell in 
the future good record of the Regiment. But there were always a 
sufficiency of spice and source of merriment and good cheer 
among the boys. Receipt of news from friends, substantial tokens 
of love and care in boxes of good things sent by them, camp fire 
chats and musings, little banquets together, sometimes at the ex- 
pense of the scanty income and to the profit of the army suttler — all 
these were as "Lights among the Shadows" in soldier life. 

Co. K was favored in February with another visit from Col. 
Sam'l Magill, of Cross Creek, the father of James K. P., one of our 
best members, and a model in many excellent qualities of the true 
soldier. Col. Magill had visited us while in Monkton. The Captain 
and Orderly Sergeant were specially favored by visits from three of 
their schoolmates. Rev. Messrs. McC. Blayney, Ewing and Wotring. 

Another quotation from the writer's journal will show the tem.- 
perament and spirit of the boys of K, who did their part in giving 
the Regiment its high standing in the army. "A soldier's Saturday 
night — Dec. 27. The boys of K are now pretty comfortably housed 
in their booths. Take a look in upon that of the sergeants, and we 
have a fair sample of the sixteen in our Company, eight on either 



20 History op Company K of the; 

side of the Company street. The sergeants with Drummer McCon- 
nell are snugly seated around a bright fire. Boyd is leisurely smok- 
ing his pipe, sending out with each ascending puff a loving sigh or 
thought of 'the girl he left behind' in old Washington. Alexander 
is 'cogitating,' giving his mustache a twist now and then, possibly 
thinking of some evening spent among the 'peach blossoms.' It may 
be, however, only an endeavor of his to discover some plan by which 
he can further contribute to our present happiness. He has been 
faithful in this respect. Hayes is seated on his knapsack cooly writ- 
ing to . His look betokens a clear conscience, having as usual 

performed his duty to the letter. His sage remarks settle many 
points in dispute. In true affection his heart turns to loved sisters 
and a beautiful home he left for his country's defense. He's with 
us from purest love of country. Were it not for Shindle the spirits 
of our mess would sometimes run low. His sly remarks would 
make round the most elongated face on most occasions. The drum- 
mer boy, too, he fondly turns to a dear wife at home and hates 
the recreants that drove him from her, but he'll be with us with his 
rattling Yankee Doodle till the last one of them be subdued. The 
'Orderly' can only glance hastily into the other fifteen, with a cheer- 
ing 'how d' de?' The occupations are various. The booth of the 
Candor squad for neatness and convenience takes the lead. In it 
Will Powelson is quartered, who at his country's call bid adieu to 
wife and little daughter. And there's Corporal Wm. Pry, who 
left quite a family. The country may feel secure with such sol- 
diery between it and its foes." 

The Company was noted for its cleanliness and good order, and 
for its attentiveness to military discipline, under frequent and oftimes 
most exacting inspections. In the Adjutant's competitive inspections 
of guard details Co. K frequently won, and on one occasion carried 
off all the honors ; on another, four out of the six. For excellence in 
work and neatness in appearance it was often complimented. 

On Feb. 28th, Silas Cooke, J. C. Lyle and Wm. Porter, left in 
hospital at York, Pa., Dec. loth, returned and were warmly wel- 
comed back into camp. 



140TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 21 

Corp'l Wm. L. Pry and Serg't Hayes were granted furloughs 
home for ten days. While in camp near Falmouth the hearts of the 
Powelson brothers were saddened by the news of the deaths of their 
two brothers, Samuel and George, who were members of Co. D, 32nd 
Regiment of Mo. Vols., in the army near Vickburg. 

On the 3Tst of December, '62, K records her rifth loss. This 
time a desertion. We have only the official record : John Fulton, 
"deserted Dec. 31, 1862, Georgetown, D. C." Our next loss was 
Harrison McConnell, discharged Feb. 13, '63. In this case it appears 
that Harrison was a minor, enlisting without the consent of his par- 
ents. They applying to the U. S. courts, in Pittsburg, Pa., got a de- 
cision of release. On the 14th day of Feb., '63, Corp'l Isaac Donald- 
son died in camp of typhoid fever. His death was one of triumph 
in Christian faith. But it cast a gloom over the Company. We 
mourned the loss of a good soldier and a kind companion. 

The other losses up to the time of our breaking camp, April 
28th, were as follows : Corp'l John D. McCabe, discharged Feb. 
13th, '63, on surgeon's certificate of disability; Henderson Scott, dis- 
charged March 12, '63, special order War Department; Robert Lyle, 
discharged March 14, '63, surgeon's certificate of disability; Benja- 
min B. Buchanan, discharged March 20, '63, surgeon's certificate of 
disability; Isaac Golden, died April 15, '63, at Mt. Pleasant, D. C, 
and was buried in the Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C, and David 
W. Corbin, died April 21, '63, in Stanton hospital, D. C, and buried 
in the same Military Asylum Cemetery. These losses cut the roll of 
members dovi-n to 82. 

John A. McCalmont was promoted to Corporal to date April 
15th, '63, the time of Donaldson's death. Jos. Smith Graham was 
made Corporal, to date the time of McCabe's discharge, Feb. 13, '62,. 

When the Company marched out from camp on April 28th, 
Lieut. Sweeney was in Washington, Pa., on leave of absence, and 
Musician McConnell was at home on furlough. Robert McClurg 
was with the Pioneer Corps. J. H. Fordyce, Ezra Conaway, Michael 
Daugherty and Ben. McCullough were on detached duty as team- 
sters. Colin R, Nickeson, Owen McEffish and John Makeown were 



22 History of Company K of the 

sick and left at Falmouth. The sick in hospitals in Washington and 
other places were : D. J. Butterfoss, Ben. Cummins, John Day, Geo. 
Hanlin, Geo. Morrow, Enoch Mounts and Wm. A. Ruffner. In all 
absent from the ranks 17, leaving 65 to cross the Rappahannock and 
enter the battle of Chancellorsville, as follows : Capt. Stockton. 
Lieut. Cook, Seargeants Powelson, Boyd, Alexander, Hayes and 
Shindle ; Corporals Cooke, Powelson, Ralston, Pry, Gardner, Hanlin, 
McCalmont and Graham ; Musician Morris, privates Allison, Abram 
Andrews, Peter Andrews, Arthurs, Berryhill, Briggs, George Car- 
ter, Jesse Carter, Thomas Carter, Chester, Chisholm, Jos. Corbin, 
Cochran, Dickson, Dungan, Earnest, Frazier, Geary, Guess, Haw- 
thorn, Hull, Johnson, J. C. Lyle, McCurdy, Magill, Maloy, Meldoon, 
Metcalf, Wm. Miller, Isaac Miller, J. W. Nickeson, Noah, Porter, 
Robt. Pry, David Pry, Rea, Wm. Scott, Seese, Geo. Sprowls, Jesse 
Sprowls, Staley, Star. Stollar, Toppin, Virtue, Wheeler, Wilkin, 
Worstell and Wright. 

Co. K participated with the Regiment in all the five days of 
action, being more or less under fire the entire time. Our first ex- 
perience in line of battle was on a by-road leading out from Plank 
Road, about a mile east of Chancellorsville. Thick woods in our 
rear. Dense pine thickets in front. Fences were leveled. Shells 
crushing in tops of trees behind us. Balls occasionally zipping 
nearby, and enemy coming nearer, but could not be seen. In those 
moments of trial, what a study in human nature! The rebels came 
on in heavy columns. Our skirmishers are driven in. Orders given 
to fall back, and our going back through that brush was a terror. 
No order could be maintained. But once out of timber and on road, 
we were soon right again, and ever after were ready for thejohnnies. 
We had been initiated, practically blindfolded. In that first day of 
May and several days following Co. K was tested in nearly all phases 
of engagement, its chief work being constructing entrenchments and 
abatis; and in the hottest conflict on the third day, in support of 
Knapp's battery. In this particular service K had some protection in 
an embankment of a cross road, while shot and shell passed over in 
dreadful profusion. Capt. Stockton had shelter only by a little sap- 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers, 23 

ling, which was cut off a few feet above him, Lieut. Col. Frazier re- 
marking, "rather a close call, Captain." 

To a soldier in his first battle there are strange feelings and 
peculiar experiences. That the members of K shared in these may 
be indicated by a quotation from Corp'l Cooke's writings to me : 
"On the 1st day of May, '63, I saw the first wounded man as we 
marched out to support the skirmish line to the right of plank road 
east of Chancellorsville. The sight of the blood running down the 
man's face made me blind ; but it soon passed away, and I never ex- 
perienced the sensation again during the war, though I saw many 
worse sights. It was then the Company had several new experi- 
ences — lying in front of a battery to support it (in the open ground, 
just east of C.) lying in the woods at night while an occasional long- 
tailed, comet-like shell would shriek over us, while we buried our 
noses in the dirt and leaves ; the wild experience of supporting the 
battery behind it, while it seemed all the artillery of the enemy was 
playing upon it. That Sunday artillery duel was the most terrific ex- 
perience to me of the whole war. Yet, strange to say, there were 
but few casualties in K worthy of mention. That being our first 
battle many things were vividly impressed on my mind : the digging 
of trenches; the attack on Howard (by Jackson) that thundering 
Saturday night; the filing by of the nth Corps the next morning; 
the disabled cannon swung under axles ; the women pale and fright- 
ened, fleeing from the burning Chancellorsville houses, creeping 
along our trenches to find a place of safety ; the band shelled while 
playing the "Star Spangled Banner"; the dragging off by hand (by 
detail from the 140th) the remnant of our battery in front; the fall- 
ing back to a new line, and finally the retreat." 

Much of our maneuvring was done in woods and tangling brush, 
very annoying. K withstood its baptism in battle well, and met the 
discomfiture, defeat and retreat of our army in very good spirits, 
sharing in the "ups and downs" in the march in rain and mud. Many 
expressed regret as we recrossed the river, for better things had been 
expected. 

On the north side Lieut. Sweeney and Geo, McConnell were met, 



24 History of Company K of the 

returning from their visits home. This was on the morning- of May 
6th. The march thence back to our old camps was made much "as 
you please," characteristically like American soldiering; but we got 
there O. K. — ior supper, and that after considerable rustling. One 
thing was manifest, K had parted with many of its possessions in 
extra clothing, comforts, etc., and some essentials were lost. The 
fact is, when we were up in support battery on the 3rd, our knap- 
sacks left by order, at trenches, were ransacked by camp followers, 
fact is, when we were up in support of battery on the 3rd, our knap- 
Wheeler, in arm ; McCalmont, in foot ; Briggs, in back ; Chester, in 
leg; and J. W. Nickeson, thumb shot off. Corp'l W. L. Pry, in fall- 
ing back to hospital, overcome with fatigue, accidentally shot him- 
self in hand. 

Comrade McClurg (who was with the Pioneer Corps, which, 
while laying pontoons, was shelled by the rebs and had to seek shel- 
ter till our cavalry drove the rebs away( reports that he cut slips 
from apple trees behind which he took refuge and sent them by letter 
to the man on his home place, and that today he eats apples from a 
large tree grown from the slips grafted on the two branches of a 
young tree then recently planted. (On a visit, in June, '04, the writer 
saw with much satisfaction this tree). 

On the nth day of May, for sanitary effect, our camp was 
moved about a mile, and K soon had herself in summer array. On 
the 13th K was assigned to a new place in line and camp, other Com- 
panies, too, being changed. (C, B, K, I, A, H, G, D, F, E). This 
changed K from left to right centre. On the 14th, the Orderly with 
a volunteer squad beautified the Company street, planting out little 
pines, etc. 

On the 20th day of May, '63, Wm. A. Ruffner was discharged 
on surgeon's certificate of disability. And on the 21st K suffered the 
loss of Corporal W. L. Pry. The accidental wound had been fol- 
lowed by the amputation of the hand, and from some cause or other, 
it was deemed necessary to make another amputation. This time the 
whole arm. But the shock and loss of blood were too much. At 2 130 
p. m. he died. Arrangements were made to embalm the body and 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 25 

ship it to Cross Creek, Pa., for interment. Serg't B. F. Powelson 
was given a three days' pass to accompany the remains as far as 
Washington, D. C. D. McC. Pry was promoted Corporal to fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of his uncle. 

George Morrow, in the hospital at Washington, D. C, was re- 
ported as discharged on May 23rd, '63, on surgeon's certificate of 
disability. But a few days afterward there came the sad news of his 
death in the hospital, Thus seven of our number had already suc- 
cumbed to death through sickness, and one from a wound. 

To relieve the severities of soldier life friends at home had sent 
many extras in food and delicacies to the members of the Company 
and Regiment in camp. 

The recollections of the closing days of May and the early days 
of June, too, to us are very vivid : the rigid drilling, the rumors of 
movements, and of Lee's army heading northward, the breaking up 
of camp streets with accumulated beans, rice, etc., that the same 
might not fall in the enemy's hands. And now we number ourselves 
for campaign and conflict. 

On our roll are now but 79 names. Exclusive of those on de- 
tached or special duty and the sick, only about 55 or 56 were ready 
for the line. 

When on June 14th the army started north, Co. K bore up 
bravely in marching through dust and heat, and now and then wad- 
ing streams. How vivid our recollections of that awful dust — when 
in evening coming down to the valley of the Occoquan and before 
wading it, it rested on our knapsacks (according to Serg't Shindlc's 
measurement) a quarter of an inch deep! Blistered feet! The 
waters of the Occoquan soothed them. Nor do we forget that big- 
spring near Fairfax Station, like the water from the rock smitten 
by Moses, a source of delight to thousands for several days. The 
boys, too, of K shared in the sights and soldier enjoyments at Cen- 
terville. Here on the 19th or 20th of June our Company positions 
were again changed in the Regiment. Now from C on the right 
stand C, F, G. D, K, I, B, H, E, A. K now is the color Company, 
the third position of honor, and this it held ever afterward. 



26 History of Company K of the 

While on duty a few days at Gainsville the boys of K improved 
their opportunities in securing some change in diet, and the First 
Sergeant tried his hand in trading coffee and sugar for some extras 
for the larder ; and were Lieut. Cook and Smith Graham hving they 
could testify to his success. The Sergeant's repeated efforts as well 
as successes in this, they say, were due to that fine looking "gal," 
Evelyn Harrison Marsteller, at the Marsteller Mansion. 

From this on in all our movements we were kept in constant 
readiness for action, as the army was held between Washington City 
and the enemy, ever alert, picketing and skirmishing, marching re- 
gardless of rain or swollen streams, through sections devastated by 
the armies, over battlefields with their terrible sights. And boys of 
K, can you forget the night at Gum Tree Springs, when after that 
hard day's marching and watching, you bivouaced, and how it rained 
all night? Nevertheless it was a good sound sleep from ten or 
eleven till four in the morning, on a bed of two flat rails, (the 
"Orderly" was lucky to get such) one end on a stone or broken 
piece of rail and the other on a bank, the water streaming be neath, 
each one for himself, wrapped with his scant remnant of hard-tack 
and coffee, gun and ammunition, in a gum blanket or piece of tent, 
and the cap drawn down over the face. Never were sleep and rest 
sweeter ! And the early hours found us pressing on towards the 
Potomac, over swollen streams. How timely those good rail fences 
on the heights, overlooking the river at Edward's Ferry. And how 
readily every one in K obeyed the order to take only the top rail, 
until the Company had its share of blazing fires to dry and warm us ! 
Then that never-to-be-forgotten night when we crossed on the pon- 
toon bridges. K's turn came after hours of waiting, and at 2 o'clock 
in the morning we found ourselves in "My Maryland." All were 
practically asleep on march or halt. Oh, those plagued stops or halts 
through all that weary night ! Yes, you remember your Orderly 
Sergeant's mishap — how, in one of those miserable stops, he fell 
asleep, having dropped down by a bush on the roadside, a half mile 
or so from the river — no sooner down than asleep, and did not wake 
up by the usual call of comrades; and so two hours passed in that 



140TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 27 

innocent sleep, and he got completely lost from the Regiment, and 
remained so (as everything was moving onward) till evening ot 
second day, June 28th. Fortunately he found James Arthurs, of K, 
who drove the Regimental wagon. Not knowing anything better, 
he stayed by the stuff till Arthurs received orders to take much 
needed rations to the Regiment, which was found in bivouac, just 
south of Frederick City across the Monocacy. And the lost was 
found, and the "Orderly" was welcomed with profound rejoicings, 
no one knowing what had become of him, the last any one could re- 
member aught of him was while crossing on the pontoons. And 
does any one with K on June 29th forget that march of 35 miles by 
the 2nd Corps to hill just northeast of Uniontown, Md. ? We trow- 
not. How we enjoyed the rest and the foraging (from fresh pas- 
tures) on the 30th, and Gen. Hancock's order of congratulation and 
thanks. Here Cummins and others from the hospitals joined us. 
And vivid, too, is each one's remembrance of the march of 30 miles 
we made on afternoon and night of July ist, our Brigade being rear 
guard. 

Of the 79 now on K's roll as we take our position on the battle 
line on the morning of July 2nd, 22 are absent — in hospital or absent 
sick — Silas Cooke, George Ralston, Peter Andrews, D. J. Butterfoss, 
J. W. Day, Jos. C. Frazier, George Hanlin, J. W. Nickeson, Wm. 
Stollar and Marshall Wright. On detached or detailed dut> — John 
F. Gardner, James Arthurs, M. Daugherty, J. H. Fordyce, Ben Mc- 
Cullough, J. L. Noah, Ezra Conaway, Enoch Mounts, J. K. Mc- 
Curdy, Robert McClurg, Nat. Seese and Jas. Worstell. 

Each one participating in the fighting at Gettysburg is able to 
tell his story of that wonderful conflict. It was fought for the most 
part on open ground and much could be seen. But the average sol- 
dier's vision was confined largely to his immediate surroundings. 
Yet individual testimony goes far oftimes to settle matters over 
which there arise differences in opinion. Co. K stayed well together 
until the hasty retreat, and its path seems clearly defined. So dis- 
tinct were the impressions thereof on the memory of the writer that, 
on a visit to the battlefield in 1898, the only time I ever visited it. 



28 History of Company K of the 

35 years after the conflict, I could start in where we marched in and 
follow our route from start to finish. Could stand where we stood 
in line as we emerged from the strip of timber, and where Col. 
Roberts fell and our right wing sufifered so heavily, and could see 
afresh our changed position to meet existing conditions. Since called 
to this work, I have resurrected from the old trunk the almost daily 
writings I kept during my term of service — the most of which I was 
able to save amid the vicissitudes of marches and battles. They 
strengthen and verify my recollections. And I will here submit an 
extract from my "Journal Notes," taken at the time, which gives my 
impressions of, and a glance at my experiences in that terrible vor- 
tex of battle in v/hich we were on the evening of July 2, 1863. 

"Gen. Hancock now sends his ist Division to the relief of 
Sickles. It moves in with rapidity in fine order. The battle rages 
terribly. We pass the Trostle house where the Massachusetts bat- 
tery has nearly been swept away — up on the Emitsburg road west. 
But soon we are marched back by and south of Trostle's, form line 
of battle and pass on south, through corner of wheat field, on edge 
of which Gen. Zook is mortally wounded — on through strip of tim- 
ber, over or around huge boulders. It is almost six o'clock when 
we are in line of battle, facing south and west — Col. Roberts killed 
in front of Regiment — right wing in open field under severe en- 
filading fire, suffer terrible losses — Lt. Col. Frazier, as soon as he re- 
alizes situation changes front of right wing to face Peach Orchard — 
our Company on left. We fire continuously. Serg't Boyd and I pass 
to left of Company as all are doing well their duty. We fire from 
big rock into bit of timber dark with smoke. I fire some 17 rounds. 
Boyd calls out, 'Orderly, they are falling back.' I fire a load I had 
just put in. Boyd has disappeared. I start back seemingly alone, 
going out about the way I came in — soon come up with others, but 
I do not know them — all running for dear life and Johnnie bullets 
rattling all about us. Crossing an open space, I could see the rebels 
close upon us to my left — they order me to surrender — but I can't 
see it — I'll run the risk, as I could see our lines to the right and some 
timber in front into which I soon pass, and get out of range. Could 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 29 

hear the rattUng of the muskets of our Hues. It was a bloody battle, 
but Co. K and the whole of the 140th acted nobly." 

Back a little distance I found a few of our boys, and we found 
our way back to our field hospital. Through much of that night I 
assisted at the hospital. I held the arm of Lieut. Vance of Co. C 
while his hand was amputated. That to me was a most dreadful 
night. T slept soundly a few hours in the morning. Then joined the 
remnant of our noble Regiment on the line they held that eventful 
3rd of July. 

When the smoke of battle in that fearful conflict in evening of 
2nd of July, and that world renowned battle of the 3rd, most of 
which we saw distinctly, had passed away, K numbered her dead 
five : Serg't T. C. Hayes, Thomas J. Carter, Robert W. Hull, Wm. 
H. Miller and Jesse Sprowls. All good and true soldiers. I deeply 
felt the loss of "Clif." Hayes, my blanket mate, warm-hearted, noble- 
spirited, ever faithful. These were buried on the 4th, as best we 
could. I superintended the burial of Hayes and Carter. Hayes' re- 
mains were soon removed to the home graveyard in Cross Creek 
Village, Pa. Comrade Magill tells me that the remains of Carter 
were interred in the National Cemetery, Gettysburg, but that it is 
erroneously marked Carpenter. 

Lieut. Cook and Serg't Shindle were taken prisoners. And our 
list of wounded were : Serg't Alexander, in arm and hand ; Wm. 
Hanlin, in hand and leg; Robert Virtue, severely in breast; Robert 
Meldoon, in face and leg ; Johnson Toppin, in shoulder ; Ben Earnest, 
severely in face; Isaac Chisholm, in thigh; Jos. Corbin, in leg; 
Colin Nickeson, in breast. 

Corp'l Wm. R. H. Powelson was promoted to be sergeant in 
place of Hayes, and James K. P. Magill to be corporal in his place. 

One instance should here be related in K's favor. J. B. Allison, 
a private of this Company, was the instrument of saving the colors 
of our Regiment. I give it as he told it to me in a recent letter : 
"As we were falHng back from our position near and in sight of the 
Peach Orchard, at Gettysburg, our color-bearer was severely 
wounded in the back. He fell forward, and raising himself partly 



30 History of Company K of the; 

up called to me to saz'e the flag. I lifted him partly up and drew 
the flag staff from under him. I kept the flag in my possession for 
say a half hour, until I came up with the scattered group of the 
Regiment. I gave the flag into the hands of a corporal of Co. E 
(I don't remember his name) I believe he was finally made a cap- 
tain." This, I am told, was Corporal Power. 

The "fiery ordeal" of Gettysburg as a test found some wanting 
in true courage. And one faint heart in K was sifted out. George 
Star was missing when with our Corps we took up our march south- 
ward after Lee. And we had to report him a deserter, under date 
of July 15, '63. Comrade Mounts reports that Star was seen three 
years after and reported himself as having traded suits with a farm 
lad a short distance out from Gettysburg, and gone west. 

K's readiness in coping with obstacles and meeting present 
emergencies was manifest when on July 17th the race to head off 
Lee's army being ended, we quietly turned in east of "Maryland 
Heights," below Harper's Ferry, to rid ourselves of a month's accu- 
mulated dirt together with the usual accompaniment, and the whole- 
sale and retail slaughter of the pediculos vestimenti was immense. 
Then, when on next day we came upon nature's own sanitary provis- 
ion in fields of dewberries and what some foraging on the farms of 
Loudon valley brought us, we toned up our impoverished and abused 
bodily systems, and further fitted ourselves for the active work in the 
months to come, in Vkdiich we pushed the rebels back through Cul- 
pepper to the Rapidan, and then, when they were reinforced, ran with 
them a race for Washington, with the brisk encounter at Auburn, or 
"Coffee Hill" and battle of Bristow Station, heading them off effectu- 
ally at Centerville, and in turn pushing them' back across the Rappa- 
hannock, with encounter here and there, and last the early winter 
dash and conflict at Mine Run, where the Johnnies were strongly en- 
trenched, and finally settling down in good winter quarters at 
Stevensburg and near Brandy Station. 

K shared in enough of the spices of soldier life to keep the boys 
in good humor and give them a zest for the hardships endured. 
Will Powelson and others of the Candor mess got off easily, when 



140TH Pennsylvania Voi^unteers. 31 

mustered up to headquarters by the provo-guard, having in their 
possession a good-sized pig, by a caution from Gen. Miles not to ever 
be caught again. They got even with the General by sending him a 
neat roast from a hind quarter. And Silas Cooke tells of the wading 
of the Rapidan in the latter part of November when it cut like a 
knife, and charging up the heights into the rebel breast-works, and 
drying ourselves in the sun ; then of the race after the long-tailed 
Iamb, and the row of fat porkers all dressed that morning by the 
rebels, left in their haste, and divided among us. Some of our boys 
will remember the "hot cofifee made from the contents of a whiskey 
canteen, which blistered our mouths while we swallowed it to the 
music of the long roll, and did not know what was the matter until 
the owner of the canteen (who had come in late and hung canteen 
on top of others, and, in Will Powelson's haste to make the coffee, 
was first to be taken) let it out." But let is pass now — 42 or more 
years have passed — what matters it now whose canteen it was ? He 
may be living and be serving the God of his fathers faithfully as an 
elder in some staid Presbyterian church. The circumstances were 
then trying, and possibly some one needed a warming up. Comrade 
McCalmont assures us that the coffee was warming and made the 
marching enlivening to some of them, as we forced our way along 
on, as Cooke adds, "the march along the railroad, the camp in the 
cut, the fearfully cold night, and the troops the next morning stripped 
for the charge (at Mine Run) on the frosty hillside, but called off 
on account of the cold, the long, gloomy night of retreat amidst 
fires on either side to keep us warm (and light our way). Retreat 
No. 2 for the 140th, and the last I believe." So in all this campaign 
K sustained a worthy record. 

Some changes had taken place. Enoch Mounts was discharged 
Aug. 22, '63, on surgeon's certificate of disability ; Robert Virtue, 
one of Cross Creek's best young men, died from effects of wounds 
received at Gettysburg, in the hospital at Baltimore, Sept. 9, '63. 
Joseph C. Frazier was discharged on surgeon's certificate of disa- 
bility, Sept. 30, '63, having been in hospital a long time. John W. 
Nickeson was on account of impaired health transferred to the Vet- 



32 History of Company K of the 

eran Reserve Corps, Nov. 15, '63. John M. Day was discharged 
Dec. 12, '63, at Convalescent Camp, Philadelphia, on surgeon's ser- 
tificate of disability. Ben F. Earnest, who had been severely wound- 
ed in face at Gettysburg, but had been back on duty for some time, 
died rather suddenly in camp near Brandy Station, on Dec. 14, '63 
Here K lost one of its most devoted members. Corporal J. F. Gard- 
ner and James L. Noah were on Dec. 17, '63, transferred by special 
order No. 328, Headquarters Army of Potomac, to the Corps Ar- 
tillery Brigade. These losses brought K's list down to 65. Wm, 
Porter was promoted corporal in the vacancy caused by the transfer 
of Gardner. Capt. Stockton had been detailed to service in the Gen- 
eral Recruiting Station at Pittsburg, Pa., leaving the Company on 
July 29th. And Lieut. Sweeney was appointed, on Dec. 29, '63, to 
duty at 2nd Corps headquarters; later he was assigned to duty at 
Gen. Barlow's headquarters, and in latter part of '64 he was ap- 
pointed on the staff of Gen. Miles. Thus the Company was without 
a commissioned officer, and it remained so until about the latter part 
of June, '64. 

In the latter part of December, '63, Serg't B. F. Powelson was 
given a furlough of ten days as a recognition of his services in look- 
ing after the Company's interests. An in the latter part of January 
he was assigned to recruiting service at Washington, Pa. And at 
close of this special duty he was granted leave to attend a military 
school at Philadelphia and to go before Gen. Casey's examing board 
at Washington, D. C. 

During the winter K shared in picket and other duties and in the 
early spring reconnoissance to the Rapidan, "when we lay," says 
Silas Cooke, "and slept with the rain pouring down upon us from 
above and the water running under us — bones all aching — then 
back to camp." 

During this time and up to the opening (May ist) of campaign, 
K lost four more, as follows : James K. McCurdy was discharged 
Feb. 17, '64 by special order 78, War Department; Serg't Sam'l K. 
Shindle died March 17, '64, in Andersonville (Ga.) prison, buried in 
grave No. 11 14. He taken prisoner at Gettysburg, was kept for a 




Silas Cooke 
(From a recent Photograph) 



I40TH PennsyIvVAnia Volunteers. 33 

while on Belle Island,, then in Charlotte, N. C, and finally was 
herded in that awful prison pen. Thus went out the life of one pos- 
sessing many commendable traits as a soldier. Michael Daugherty 
died March 18, '64, Brandy Station, Va., from injury inflicted by the 
kick of a mule. He was buried in the National Cemetery, Culpepper, 
Va., Block I, Sec. A, Row 4, Grave 17. He served well as a team- 
ster in the Q. M. department. Isaac Chisholm was, on March 20, 
'64, transferred to Co. G, 9th Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps. 

The names of the following recruits had been added to the 
roll : William A. Jackson, Florence, Pa., mustered in as a private, 
Feb. 29, '64; John W. Tucker, Florence, Pa., mustered in as a pri- 
vate, March i, '64; James A. Cummins, Cross Creek, Pa., mustered 
in as a private, March 29, '64. These additions made the number 
on our roll. May i, 1864, sixty- four. Excluding those on detached 
duty and the absent sick and Lieut. Cook, a prisoner, and we had 
but 47 for all duty on the battlefield. 

J. Smith Graham was promoted sergeant in vacancy caused by 
the death of Shindle, and James C. Lyle took Graham's place as cor- 
poral. John A. McCalmont served as corporal in the Color Guard. 
Lieut. Ray was by detail in command of K from May ist through 
May 8th. Captains Linton and Kerr and a Lieutenant of Co. E also 
had command of K at different times during the absence of her own 
commissioned officers. Corporal Cooke says that Capt. Kerr had the 
command at Spottsylvania C. H. 

As the writer was not with the Company when the Army of the 
Potomac began its famous on to Richmond under Grant in May, and 
until the latter part of June, when the 140th was before Petersburg, 
he depends mostly upon what the comrades who were present can 
furnish for K. And he congratulates his comrades in having Cor- 
poral Cooke to aid in the matter. He speaks for K up to May 12th, 
when a wound laid him aside and he was no more with us. He tells 
us that in passing over the Chancellorsville battleground he gathered 
some flowers, which he sent home, and they are preserved unto this 
day. He tells us of the charge the 140th made in the Wilderness, 
when the rebels were massing: to break the Union lines in a weak 



34 History of Company K of the 

place. Col. Frazier, thinking we had better be doing something 
as the balls were falling thick about us as we lay in line of battle, 
received permission of Gen. Miles to go in on a charge. The Colonel 
gave his orders, and, it goes for the saying, they were executed. We 
went in on the double-quick (the double-quick of the 140th was 
always a run), yelling like mad, halted as we reached position be- 
yond and over a small remnant of the Irish Brigade, then fired front, 
then right, then left, then front until no enemy returned our fire. 
Prisoners taken reported that we broke by these volleys three lines 
of battle, and, night coming on, they gave up their charge, thinking 
a large force was in their front. Gen. Hancock gave us great praise 
for it. So quickly was it done that but few casualties occurred, 
Cooke was hit on right thigh by a spent bullet, cutting clothing and 
breaking a pocket knife, badly bruising but not disabling him. 

K took part in another charge on May 8th at Todd's Tavern, but 
suffered terribly there. Comrade Isaac Miller says that it was known 
as the "Cracker Fight," because Commissary Noble was in the act 
of issuing rations of crackers when the onset came. Cooke says thai 
the 140th (except K and another Company) were on picket, under 
Capt. McCullough. K and the other Company were lying in the 
edge of a woods, along which a road ran, turning into the woods 
just where they lay; and the rebels came up on the opposite side of 
the valley and opened fire. Gen. Miles, riding along, was compelled 
to seek shelter. Abram Andrews of K was struck and bruised some 
As Gen. Miles passed on. Col. Brady thought he would do some- 
thing, and ordered part of his Regiment, lying to the right, to charge 
out over an open field in our front and down into the valley in open 
view of the rebels. Then he ordered our two companies to charge 
out on the left of his men, and to cheer as we went in. And there in 
one volley many of K fell. Cooke was first in file. The one in his 
rear and six to his left were killed or wounded. The killed were 
John Maloy and John W. Tucker. Many of the wounded were left 
on the field, as the Union lines were pushed back. I canot refrain 
from relating what Isaac Miller told me in a letter written Aug. 19, 
'04. A sad story, indeed ! He was severely wounded in leg and 



140TH Pbnjjsylvania Volunteers. 35 

thigh. Was at the foot of the Company. John Maloy was at the 
head; and both fell and lay the Company's length apart. Maloy 
was wounded about in same place as Miller. They could not move, 
but could talk to each other. Miller lay there for five days, then the 
rebels carried him back to a barn and later to their field hospital. 
He plead for Maloy. But they said he was too far gone. On the 
eighth day he died, so they told Miller; and then, at Miller's appeal, 
they promised to bury him. Who could keep the tears back when 
told of how one of our brave comrades thus gave up his life in the 
service of his country? It is some relief to hear it whispered that in 
those long days of suffering some ladies of the farm did what they 
could to care for him and others like him. Let us hope it was so, 
and that the angels of God's love comforted him. 

Cooke says that Tucker fell before him at the rail fence where 
we stopped to fire, pierced in the temple by a ball, and there George 
Sprowls had his hair combed by a ball that took the cap from his 
head. Cooke adds, "Then came the order to fall back to main line. 
It was a beautiful but sorrowful Sabbath day. Then came the Po 
river excursion, where the whole line in the darkness fired at a dog — 
the artillery duel, where a number of our boys perished as we lay 
behind our battery. Then the all night march through the rain and 
mud to Spotsylvania — the massing of troops, and, at early dawn, the 
famous charge of the 2nd Corps, through the open fields upon the 
rebel breast-works, over them and along them to the right, capturing 
two batteries, three Generals, with Johnson's whole Division as 
prisoners ; on down works to right, then out towards enemy's sec- 
ond line. Murky, foggy, no rebels to be seen, but balls flying thick 
as evidence of their presence ; when thud ! a ball took me in the right 
side and arm, whirling me round and down. I was just crawling 
toward the protection of a small earthwork in the rear of the main 
works when I looked up and saw George Ralston coming along. He 
helped me back as far as the provo guard, passing on our way Jim 
Cummins, wounded through both thighs. It was the last seen of the 
brave recruit of 16 years. Ralston left me sitting with my back 
against a tree. Then a drummer boy helped me back to an empty 



36 History of Company K of the 

army wagon used as an ambulance. As chance would have it, Wilt 
Powelson, also wounded, got into same wagon and rode to the 
Corps hospital. We kept together until we got to hospital at Pitts- 
burg, Pa., and remained together till he went back to the Regiment. 
A splendid friend. That ride in an army wagon with an ounce ball 
grinding around near my back bone was the most excrusiating ex- 
perience I ever had. I have the ball yet. Can say I caught one 
ball and stopped another in those two innings. How many I struck 
out I do not know." 

On receiving an intimation of a little coup de maitre on the 
part of Corp'l Cooke that eventful morning, I wrote him, insisting 
on knowing about it. I will here relate only the bare facts. Cooke 
was alone when he mounted a portion of the breast-works, where 
there were transverse sections about every 24 feet and running back 
about 20 feet. One of our officers had been shot down who at- 
tempted going over just before he did. As Cooke reached the top 
he saw about 20 Johnnies back against the muddy excavations, wav- 
ing their hats and cheering vociferously. He looked as fierce as he 
could and yelled, "Get back here !" pointing to our rear, and those 
Jonnies as one man obeyed, going over the works as directed like 
as many monkeys; and, as he turned to look, they were going pell 
mell for our rear, never looking back. He says he could never de- 
vise a satisfactory explanation of their actions. But he knows of 
the fact, and feels confident that he helped to swell the number of 
prisoners that morning. 

K's loss in killed and wounded that day amounted to more than 
one-third of those engaged. There were four killed : The Cummins 
brothers, Benjamin and James; Joseph Guess and John Makeown — 
all most excellent soldiers, as were the two killed on the 8th of 
May. This reduced the number on our roll to 58. Among the 
severely wounded was George Sprowls, who fell into the hands of 
the enemy. Thus our losses from the ranks on May 8th to 12th 
were: 6 killed, 16 wounded, and of the wounded two were prisoners 
— Isaac Miller and George Sprowls. 

During that fearful day of struggle in the "Bloody Angle," a 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 37 

detail was called for from Brigade headquarters, out of the 140th — 
two from K — to bring ofif the cannon the rebels had left in their 
flight when Hancock charged the Salient, but which were now be- 
tween the lines. Abram Andrews and Norris Metcalf volunteered 
from K, and they did their share of shouting when the feat was 
accomplished. 

During the next 31 days, which brought the 2nd Corps through 
a number of hard marches, hotly contested skirmishes and battles to 
the south side of the James river, K bore an honorable part. At the 
time the army was withdrawn to the north side of the North Anna 
river, in view of a change of base, K came near having a part of its 
number gobbled up by the rebels. As the army was retiring, K then 
in command of Lieut. Kerr, was among the troops that covered the 
movement, and were deployed on northern bank as pickets or skir- 
mishers. The south side bank was 25 or 30 feet higher than the 
north one, and was lined with old rifle pits. The rebels followed and 
occupied these, from which they kept up a lively fire for some time. 
George Hanlin says that the river was narrow, 60 or 70 feet wide, 
and K's line had no protection but a few trees, which they hugged 
tighter than they did their sweethearts as they bid them adieu when 
first off for war, and could only take a shot now and then. Those 
good old trees ! We see them yet, and we'll never forget them while 
memory holds her throne. Late in the day the enemy ceased firing. 
On a reconnoitering, the true condition was found out. Earlier in 
the day (as ascertained later) the order had been given calling off 
the pickets. This was to be done stealthily. From individual to in- 
dividual the word was to be quietly passed — '"fall back to rear." All 
went well till it came to George Johnson, who was hard of hearing 
and did not catch the command, nor was he in a position to notice 
the withdrawing. So he and all those in the Company that were to 
his right were left. Having no orders to retire, they staid at their 
posts. So, near sunset, being assured by two negroes, who had 
crossed the river, that the Johnnies "had sure done gone," they got 
together, Ralston taking command. All were at sea, not knowing 
where the Regiment had gone. But they went directly back from the 



38 History of Company K of the 

river. A few miles on they saw in camp some cavalry. Ralston 
approached them to ascertain whether friends or foes. Happily he 
found friends, and gave the 'all right" signal to the boys. It was 
Gen. Gregg's Cavalry, and he directed the boys to remain with his 
command till their Regiment could be located. This was done the 
third day after, when the Brigade was in vicinity of Rural Plains, 
and they were in time for a hand in the fight at Tolopotomy Creek. 
Then they w^ere, in a few days, in the battles fought at Cold Harbor. 
In one of these Andrew Chester was severely wounded in left leg, 
and was disabled from further active service. 

The 15th of June found K with the Regiment, after a forced 
march, fighting for the possession of Petersburg. But that was too 
important a place for the rebels, a key to Richmond, and, having 
the inside way, they were there in force to resist. 

In the campaign from the Wilderness to the James, K had 6 
killed and 17 wounded, or more than half the number actually in 
line of battle. But the Company was good for service yet, and 
formed an integral part of the hosts that fastened themselves about 
Petersburg. About this time Capt. Stockton returned, and the 
orderly sergeant came back on the 30th day of June, having passed 
an examination as First Class Lieutenant. 

At 3 o'clock, morning of July 25th, we are on the march, cross- 
ing the Appomattox on pontoons, two miles above City Point, and, 
guided by fires, we push on and cross the James at Curl's Neck on 
muffled pontoons. Find ourselves in support of the 26th Michigan 
and 2nd Heavy Artillery in a charge on the enemy's works, which 
are captured with a battery of four heavy guns. James H. Fordyce 
was wounded, having a thumb shot off. Well we remember our 
sylvan camp retreat that night — the sound sleep, for oh, how tired 
we were. In line by 3 o'clock in the morning — later move to right 
and entrenching for security, a general line being formed. In the 
afternoon of the 27th it was noticed that the rebels were striking 
tents and moving to their right. Gen. Miles called upon Capt. Stock- 
ton to send some men out to scout for an hour to ascertain the pur- 
port or extent of this movement. Serg't B. F. Powelson with three 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 39 

other men responded, who went some distance to the right, making 
the discovery that the rebels were aiming to turn our flank. From a 
tree the sergeant could see a distance into the enemy's country, but 
no very large amount of troops. The attack made by the rebels in 
about an hour was successfully checked, and, at 2 o'clock next morn- 
ing our part of the Brigade, serving as rear guard, quietly stole 
away and followed our troops, who had recrossed the river during 
the night, returning by night to our old quarters back of Petersburg. 
The object of this movement by our Corps was a ruse to draw and 
hold the enemy's forces north of river, while, in the blowing up of a 
fort, entrance to Petersburg might be made. 

The heat becoming intense in camp, we indulged ourselves in 
building arbors for protection, each Company by turns using the 
Regimental baggage wagon. On this occasion Co. K was officially 
complimented as having the best shade and cleanest quarters. 

Then came heavy fatigue work in trenches and parallels. Six 
hours on and six hours off, day and night. K's sober boys will re- 
member the deep study as to what use to make of some hot whiskey 
issued for stimulants. Some tried stewing their hard tack in it. It 
did not prove of much value. 

In some of the fighting about Petersburg George Johnson was 
wounded, but not seriously. Oftimes the cannonading was terrific, 
and we were maneuvring much and there was constant activity. 

When the Second Corps, on Aug. 12, '64, dropped out of their 
places about Petersburg, K withstood well that fearful jaunt to 
City Point, though the writer must confess that, owing to the ex- 
treme heat and dust it was "nip and tuck" with many of us. While 
awaiting transports here, on the morning of the 13th, the writer and 
Sergeant Graham visited the ist Division hispotal to see Miss Mary 
Vance, a lady from Cross Creek, Pa., whom Co. K claimed, and who 
all through the war gave her means, time and strength in unceasing, 
disinterested ministrations to the sick and wounded soldiers. We 
were also favored with meeting Miss Hancock, of New York, well 
known as a lady of unceasing patriotic zeal. 

Co. K shared in the surpirse, when, on the morning of the 14th, 



40 History of Company K of the 

we disembarked and found ourselves in the locality we occupied on 
the 26th of July, in Deep Bottom. And now for the first time for 
many of us we have opportunity of seeing that plain, quiet leader, 
Gen. Grant, Hancock's headquarters being near where K was left 
with the colors, while the Regiment was on the skirmish line. For a 
good part of the time in this second Deep Bottom expedition, Capt. 
Stockton had command of the Regiment. Co. K and part of Co. D 
were out on picket the second night, out on the Division's advanced 
position to the right, and to those who still survive there come vivid 
recollections of how we made the most and best of our situation, 
there being a home in the vicinity, with its fruit trees, a corn field 
and a sweet potato patch. Only things were appropriated as seemed 
necessary. Magill can tell you what a good supper he and the 
"Orderly" had together. Lieut. Burns, in charge, and myself are 
known to have had a dry place on which to sleep a while — a stable 
door, only borrowed. It was on the next day we shared in that two 
miles charge, the Confederate Gen. Chambliss' corpse being passed 
over by K in its advance, and we reached a point about six miles 
from Richmond. The rebels became alarmed and are heavily rein- 
forced. This was the object of this movement — to divert attention 
and hold the rebel troops, while the 5th Corps secures a foothold on 
the Welden railroad south of Petersburg. Protecting ourselves from 
being flanked, and the purpose of our maenuvers having been ac- 
complished, on the night of the 20th the James was recrossed. Dur- 
ing 1 8th, Capt. Stockton being in hospital sick, Capt. Pipes as- 
sumed command of the Regiment, and on the 20th Capt. Henry took 
command. We, of K, well remember that never-to-be-forgotten 
tramp, tramp all the night of the 20th, through darkness, rain and 
mud ; awful and yet laughable, when men get lost, when hats, shoes, 
caps, etc., disappeared, as the boys stumbled on in brush and dark- 
ness. But we reach our old camping ground at Petersburg, only 
to find things torn up. But what matters ! for Uncle Sam has other 
work for the valiant 2nd Corps, and off we set for the flank move- 
ment on the Welden railroad, the seizing of this road being the main 
purpose in the movements. Co. K well remembers, too, the part it 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 41 

took in the tearing up of the railroad and its corn roasts over the 
fires of burning ties ; and in the Ream Station engagement on Aug. 
25th, in the opening of which the 140th had special work assigned it 
in the rear and on right, and our experience that night in falling back 
to a point south of Petersburg near the Weldon railroad, where sub- 
stantial works were constructed. 

At this point, Sept. 2^, '64, K lost the First Sergeant, B. F. 
Powelson, who was discharged to accept a First Lieutenancy in Co. 
G, 41st U. S. C. T. It was a struggle to break away from comrades 
who had become so dear through so many days of true soldier life. 
And I well remember that I almost gave up to my feelings. Cor- 
poral George Ralston was promoted First Sergeant, and George A. 
Hanlin, corporal in Ralston's place. 

In the subsequent operations of the Regiment, during the re- 
mainder of 1864, Co. K bore well its part in the general movement 
of the left of the Union army the 27th of October, flanking the rebel 
works at Armstrong's Mill, on Hatcher's Run, and in the fighting, 
amid the rigors of winter, on Hatcher's Run Dec. 8th to 19th, Com- 
panies D and K, under Capt. Linton, doing special guard duty before 
and about Ft. Fisher. Again in the early days of February, '65, in 
repelling the enemy in an attack on our position about Dabney's Mill, 
Hatcher's Run. And K shared in the marked vigilance of camp life 
in close proximity to a strong and alert enemy through the winter, 
and also in the expectancy of an early spring campaign. The Com- 
pany had lost others from her roll as follows : William A. Jackson, 
discharged Nov. 2, '64; Jesse J. Morris, transferred to principal 
musician in the Regiment, Dec. 22, '64 ; Henry Dickson, transferred 
to Veteran Rerserve Corps; David McC. Pry, transferred Feb. 6, 
'65, to Veteran Reserve Corps ; Johnson Toppin, Feb. 6, '65, trans- 
ferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps; Norris Metcalf, died IMarch 17, 
'65, chronic diarrhoea, at home near Eldersville, Pa., and buried in 
Bethel church cemetery. Two names of persons coming in as re- 
cruits had been added to the roll : Frank Stiver, from West \'ir- 
ginia, enrolled as private Sept. 22, '64, and George A. Reed, Cross 
Creek, Pa., enrolled as private Feb. 27, '65. The number on the roll 



42 History of Company K of the 

March 20, 1865, was 53. Of this number Lieut. Cook, Isaac Miller 
and George Sprowls were in rebel prisons ; Wm. Rea, Wm. Hanlin, 
Jos. Corbin, Serg't Boyd, Robert Dungan, D. J. Butterfoss, Silas 
Cooke, Andrew Chester, B. F. Hawthorn, George Reed, James Wor- 
stell and Robert Meldoon were in hospitals or serving in the Vet- 
eran Reserve Corps. This would leave 38 on the front. Lieut. 
Sweeney was on Division headquarters staff duty, and several were 
on detached or special duty. So that only about 30 were present in 
line of battle. 

On D. McC. Pry's transfer, Feb. 6, '65, Marshall Wright was 
promoted to corporal. 

On the advance of the 2nd Corps, on March 25, '65, the final 
campaign opened. That day brought sadness to Co. K. Great ac- 
tivity was manifest in both contending armies. The Federal army 
was moving in arranging its forces for a forward movement to more 
closely invest the Confederates. They were desperate in defence and 
were trying sorties to break away. The rifle shooting from the 
trenches was close. Serg't Smith Graham was instantly killed, his 
forehead pierced with the ball of some sharp shooter. He was car- 
ried back itno camp and laid in his bunk. It was a sad blow to the 
Company for "Smith" was held in very high esteem. As the army 
was all astir, he was buried near Fort Welch, and so far as known 
his body found there its permanent resting place. 

John A. McCalmont was made sergeant in Graham's stead, and 
Abram Andrews was promoted to be corporal, taking the place of 
McCalmont. 

Then followed the stern activites which soon brought the fall 
of Richmond, Co. K participating in the five days' constant struggle, 
crowned with the brilliant dash of Gen. Mile^' Division (our Divis- 
ion) at Sunderland Station, April 2nd. And, Richmond having 
fallen, Co. K had its liberal share in the experiences in the rapid and 
close pursuit of Gen. Lee's army, in the battles of Tailor's Creek and 
Farmville — in the foraging in line of battle as in hot pursuit they 
passed through a well stocked plantation at Tailor's Creek, and in the 
distribution of Confederate money and other spoils of war in the 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 43 

trains captured in the Farmville battle. In this latter conflict Sear- 
gents Ralston and McCalmont and Corporal Abe Andrews were 
taken prisoners and held till Lee's surrender. They were asked or 
rather ordered to give up their shoes and other effects. This they 
did in part, when talking and parleying would not avail. Ralston, 
through an officer, secured a pledge for the return of his watch at 
the close of the war, and when released he hunted up the party and 
secured the return of his efifects. 

When the surrender of Lee's army took place Co. K was on the 
advanced line, on the road leading into Appomattox C. H. from the 
east, and when Gen. Lee rode back through the lines toward Rich- 
mond they stood in silence, with heads uncovered, as he passed. 

The war practically over, K marched leisurely back with the 
Regiment to Washington, D. C, and took part in the grand review, 
being formally mustered out near Alexandria, Va., May 31, 1865. 

The following, according to official records, is the final disinte- 
gration of the Company : 

Lieut. William B. Cook, discharged May 17, 1865, by order of 
the Secretary of War. 

William M. Rea, discharged May 19, 1865, on Surgeon's certifi- 
cate of disability. 

Corporal William Hanlin, discharged May 20, 1865, G. O. "/"J 
of office of Adjutant General. 

Joseph Corbin, discharged May 20, 1865, G. O. 'j'j of office of 
Adjutnat General. 

Robert Meldoon, discharged May 20, 1865, G. O. 'j'] of office of 
Adjutant General. 

Second Serg't Milton R. Boyd, honorably discharged May 27, 
1865. 

Robert B. Dungan. honorably discharged May 29, 1865. 

George Reed, transferred to 53rd Reg't P. V., S. O. 136 A. of 
P., May 30, '65. 

Daniel J. Butterfoss, discharged from hospital about time Com- 
pany mustured out. 



44 History of Company K of the 

George Sprowls, died, drowned on Chesapeake Bay in sinking 
of a transport. 

Then the 37 mustered out with the Regiment, May 31, '65, near 
Alexandria, Va., follows: Capt. Wm. A. F. Stockton, ist Lieut. 
Alexander Sweeney, Jr., ist Serg't George Ralston, 3rd Serg't Ed- 
ward S. Alexander, 4th Serg't Wm. R. H. Powelson, 5th Serg't 
John A. McCalmont; Corporals James C. Lyle, Abram Andrews, 
James K. P. Magill, George A. Hanlin, Marshall Wright and Will- 
iam Porter; Musician George W. McConnell; Privates James B 
Allison, Peter Andrews, James Arthurs, James S. Berryhill, Lazarus 
Briggs, George W. Carter, Jesse M. Carter, James E. Cochran. 
Ezra Conaway, James H. Fordyce, William M. Geary, George W 
Johnson, Robert McClurg, Benjamin McCullough, Owen McElfish, 
Colin R. Nickeson, Robert A. Pry, William Scott, Nathaniel Seese, 
Oliver Staley, Frank Stiver, William Stollar, Ulysses S. Wheeler 
and Thomas Wilkin. 

Isaac Miller, discharged June 15, 1865, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Benjamin L. Hawthorn, discharged June 17, 1865, Washington, 
D. C. 

Andrew Chester, discharged July 3, 1865, hospital, Philadelphia. 

Silas Cooke, ist Corporal, discharged July 3, 1865, Cincinnati, O. 

James Worstell, discharged July 5, 1865, Cincinnati, O. 

Jesse J. Morris and Thomas L. Noble were mustered out with 
the Regiment. John F. Gardner and James L. Noah had final dis- 
charge when artillery mustered out. Geo. Reed, when the 53rd P. 
V. was mustered out. David McC. Pry, John W. Nickeson, Isaac 
Chisholm, Henry Dickson and Johnson Toppin were finally released 
when their Regiments in the Veteran Reserve Corps were disbanded. 

On muster out Co. K, with the 140th, was ordered to Pittsburg, 
Pa., for final pay and discharge. Our feelings are readily recalled 
when we arrived at Pittsburg, where in '62 we had been mustered 
in. Oh, what changes wrought in three years ! Then three com- 
missioned officers and 93 enlisted men, and 5 recruits had joined us. 
Now only 37 present, 12 had been killed in action; 4 died of wounds; 
10 died of sickness. Thirty-seven had been wounded. Many had 



I40TH PENNSYI^VANIA VOLUNTEERS. 45 

been discharged on account of disability. Others had been trans- 
ferred to other commands and service, some of whom had made good 
records for themselves. Many had gone out beardless boys, but now 
returned well trained men. All are eager now to quit the service 
and to return to their several avocations in a blessed reign of peace 
in a nation saved, a Union preserved. The songs of farewell are 
hastily sung, and Co. K becomes a thing of the past, each going his 
own way, some never again to look into each other's faces, but a 
tie of comradship binding all hearts together that no period of time 
can break.. 




46 History of Company K of the 



Sketches of Those Who Have Died Since the War. 



And as the years have come and gone since the disbanding, Com- 
pany K's servivors have ever done their part in the reunions and 
camp fires held by the Regiment. But so widely scattered have they 
become that only a few each year have been able to answer to their 
names on such occasions. In nearly a dozen states the present living 
are to be found. 

We cast a look back to the time K was disbanded, and, when 
asked where are Co. K's loi members? we find the numbering to be : 
12 killed in action; 14 died in the service; 2 deserted and their names 
are lost to us ; 31 have died since, and 42 are living yet. The killed 
and died in service have already been mentioned. And the names 
of the two deserters have passed from us. 

So many years have passed with their burden of business, do- 
mestic and other duties and of engrossing anxieties ; so much have 
memory's faculties yielded to the demands made upon them as that 
it has become difficult to recall details in experience in those crowded 
years of service, that the task of gathering data for presenting to the 
public a just and impartial record of each one of K's members has 
been found a very difficult one ; and, despite the writer's most earnest 
and persistent efforts through many months of time in -search of 
necessary information, he regrets his inability to secure such data 
as he in some cases longed for. But so far as was within his power 
he has given the records impartially, full and correct to the best of 
his information. Nothing would he not have done to serve his com- 
rades, each one of whom was dear to him, and to each of whom he 
ever felt allied as to a brother. Gladly does he make mention of any- 
thing to the credit or honor of any one in a Company that sustained 
so worthy a record as did K, than which, he hesitates not to assert, 



I40TH Pennsylvania Voi^unteers. 47 

no other was superior in point of excellence, in faithful, devoted, 
heroic service to our beloved country. 

With a feeling of sadness and in sorrow we record the list of 
those 31 who died since the Company was disbanded in June, 1865. 

1. William M. Geary, from Candor, Pa., was almost constantly 
with the Company, responding cheerfully to every call to duty, ex- 
emplary in his conduct. He was one of five, who though in all the 
battles, yet escaped injury. But the severities of the service shat- 
tered his constitution, and he was the first to fall after the return. 
He suffered terribly from ulceration of the bowels ; but loving 
friends, among them Jno. A. McCalmont, and other of his comrades 
tenderly cared for him. He died June 25, 1866, and was buried in 
the home cemetery at Candor. 

2. Colin R. Nickeson ,of Claysville, proved himself a worthy 
soldier. He was severely wounded in the breast on July 2, '63, at 
Gettysburg. He also suffered some from illness. When the Com- 
pany disbanded at Pittsburg he returned to his home in East Finley 
Township. But he virtually had given his life to his country, for he 
died from the effects of wound and the severities of service, April 
8, 1867, among his home friends. 

3. Second Lieutenant William B. Cook, Candor, practically sac- 
rificed his life on our country's altar. He was taken prisoner July 
2, '63, and confined in Libby prison, never getting back to the Com- 
pany. He was among those who through a tunnel tried to escape, 
but was recaptured. When discharged in May, '65, he returned 
home. But his strength was undermined. He entered on the prac- 
tice of law in Pittsburg, Pa. But from lung trouble he died Dec. 
30, 1870. 

4. Harrison McConnell, Paris, eager to be with those who went 
out to defend the Union, slipped into the service, being duly en- 
rolled as a member of K, and got as far as Falmouth, Va. But, he 
being a minor, his parents appealed to the U. S. Courts ; and through 
the direction of the Secretary of War, his friends took him from the 
camp to Washington City, where a discharge was secured for him. 
Afterwards through the recommendation of Senator Cameron, he did 



48 History of Company K of the 

service in Washington City up to time of illness resulting in his 
death, save one year in which he was a clerk in the West Virginia 
House of Representatives. He died at home, near Paris, Pa., July 
17, 1872, and was buried at Florence, Pa. 

5. James S. Berryhill, "Sans" as he was familiarly known, 
Cross Creek, was ever a ready soldier and companionable fellow on 
march, in battle or in camp. He faced the music all the way, and 
came through without injury. But one Sabbath morning, July 19, 
1874, in endeavoring to board a freight train at Dinsmore Crossing, 
Panhandle railroad, on his way to Sabbath school, he was accident- 
ally killed, and his mangled body was given a true soldier's burial in 
the old graveyard at Burgettstown, Pa. 

6. George Ralston, of Claysville, made a corporal in the organi- 
zation of the Company, entered the ranks of soldiery with a truly 
loyal heart, leaving his profession of teaching. With the exception 
of several weeks in the hospital in '63, he "weathered the storm" 
with the Company till the end. Was promoted to First Sergeant on 

B. F. Powelson's leaving K to accept a position in another Regi- 
ment. But the "wear and tear" of the service must have made in- 
roads on his vitality, for after a brief life at home with wife and 
children, he died from consumption, Aug. 28, 1874, and was buried 
in Claysville cemetery. 

7. Capt. Wm. A. F. Stockton, Cross Creek, was of a generous 
and open-hearted disposition, and served with faithfulness. On the 
29th of July, '63, he was detailed and sent back for duty at the Gen- 
eral Recruiting Station at Pittsburg, where he remained until the 
summer of 64, returning to command of K, and was with it till the 
Company was disbanded, except that on several occasions, by virtue 
of his rank, he had command of the Regiment. After the war he 
embarked in raising fruit for the New York market, in Carituck, N. 

C, where through fever he died, July 21, 1877, and was buried in the 
old Cross Creek village graveyard. He was bre vetted Major, 
April 9, 1865. 

8. William Porter, West Alexander, quiet and unassuming, but 
ever ready for duty, was another of the lucky ones, about all the time 



140TH Pennsyi^vania Voi^unteers. 49 

with the Company, yet never wounded. He was promoted to be 
Corporal in the room of Jno. F. Gardner, transferred to an artillery 
Company Dec. 17, '63. In the quiet, faithful pursuit of his business, 
while alighting from a horse, he was accidentally cut in the neck by 
a chisel and quickly died from the wound Dec. 16, 1883, near West 
Alexander, Pa., in whose cemetery he lies buried. 

9. Milton R. Boyd, 2nd Sergeant, Claysville, possessed many 
of the qualities of a good soldier, and bore well his part through the 
campaign of '63 and early part of '64. But the severities of the ser- 
vice were too much for him, his health was undermined, and in latter 
part of term of service he was unable for field duty. After the war 
was ended he went into the medical profession, entering on practice 
in Silvan Springs, Arkansas. He died in that place from congestion 
of the brain May 2, 1884, and was buried there. 

10. Johnson Toppin, Millsboro, was wounded in the shoulder, 
Gettysburg, second day of July, '63, and thereby rendered unfit for 
active service, though ever ready to respond to calls of duty. 
Towards the close he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. 
Little is known to us of him after discharge. The only information 
obtained was that, about the year 1884, he was accidentally drowned 
near Pittsburg, being thrown from a river barge. 

1 1 . Robert Meldoon, West Alexander, faithfully answered to all 
duty up to Gettysburg. There, July 2, '63, he was wounded in face 
and leg, and was in hospital or on light service there afterwards. 
Little seems known or could be found out of him after his discharge. 
He was killed on the railroad at New Castle, Pa., in June, 1885, and 
was buried there. 

12. William A. Ruflfner, Mound City, did not seem to be physic- 
ally able for field service. When marching in December, 1862, to the 
front, he gave out, and after some time spent in hospital, he was, by 
direction of the surgeon in charge, discharged. And all the infor- 
mation we were able to glean (and that comes from a comrade near- 
est to him) was that he was killed sometime in 1886, in the coal 
mines at Coal Bluff, Washington county. Pa. 

13. Robert B. Dungan, Cross Creek, was not able to continue in 



50 History of Company K of the 

the strenuous service to which the Company was subjected. He was 
not with the Company during latter half of our term of service, but 
did some detail duty at office and hospital. And after muster out of 
service he suffered from disease which had become chronic before his 
discharge from the army, and from its efifects he died in Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, Feb. 27, 1888. 

14. Thomas L. Noble, Claysville, enlisted as a member of K, 
but in the second month of service was promoted to Commissary 
Sergeant of the Regiment, and he as such rendered excellent service, 
watchful for our comforts and awake to our interests. "Tom," as 
he was known throughout the command, was a genius, ready in wit 
and full of fun, and never failing, after (as he himself said) he "got 
his hand in," to see that the 140th and specially K, received our full 
share of rations. This efficient service in the Q. M. Department, sea- 
soned with good humor and a generous spirit, was followed by a suc- 
cessful career in days of peace and prosperity. He engaged in real 
estate and insurance business in the west. He was noted as a strong 
and influential advocate of temperance. His orations in this and in 
Memorial Day services were characterized with ability and power. 
I quote here with pleasure a testimony concerning Tom, given at a 
reunion camp fire by Comrade "Sandy" Acheson (Capt. Alex. W. 
Acheson, Co. C) : "After the war was over he emigrated to Kansas, 
where he encountered the various shades of fortune, sometimes 
doing well, and at others not, until at last, broken in health, he 
floated to Texas. One day I was summoned hastily to see him, 
when I found him already dead of heart disease. With all of the 
honors a G. A. R. Post could bestow, we laid him to rest, beneath 
the Bur-oaks of Texas, to await the reveille which will summon us 
all together at the last day. It was in Dennison, Texas, he died, in 
the month of September, 1890, and there in the northeast corner 
of Oakwood Cemetery buried. 

15, James K. McCurdy, Eldersville, when he enlisted in K was 
a practicing physician. He was soon detailed as hospital steward 
and was on Feb. 17, 1864, discharged by special order from War 
Department, and transferred to the 153rd Regiment, P. V., being 



I40TH Pbnnsyi,vania Volunteers. 51 

commissioned Feb. 26, '64, as Assistant Surgeon, and served as such 
with credit. He died at Burgettstown, Pa., Aug 12, 1891. 

16. Jesse M. Carter, Millsboro, was a worthy soldier, ever faith- 
ful to his country's service, and never murmuring against the hard- 
ships and privations incident thereto. He was wounded on May 12, 
'64, but after recovery from wound he resumed his place in old K 
to "battle manfully" till the glorious victory was won and Lee's 
army was no more. According to best information received he died 
some time in 1894. 

17. Robert Lyle, Cross Creek, was among the older ones form- 
ing the membership of K. He had the true spirit of service, but it 
soon became manifest that he had not the physical strength and en- 
durance essential to active warfare; so that after the testing in the 
march to the front and the severities of duties in the winter season 
at Falmouth, Va., with Lee's army across the river, on certificate of 
the Surgeon he was discharged from service. He died July i, 1894, 
and was buried in the cemetery at Cross Creek Village, Pa. 

18. James A. Fordyce, Claysville, too, was a man somewhat 
advanced in years. But his heart was in the cause of preserving the 
Union, and he gave himself unreservedly to soldier life and duty. 
He was wounded in the summer of '64, in battle of Deep Bottom, 
Va., having a thumb shot of¥. He was detailed part of time as 
teamster. He remained with the Company till the last, though his 
health and strength were considerably impaired. He died in Clays- 
ville, July 22, '95, age 75 years. His widow, living yet in Claysville, 
says that he carried disease from the exposure and severity of his 
war service. 

19. Daniel J. Butterfoss, Paris, was possibly the oldest man en- 
listing in K. In fact too old for the service. He could not endure 
the testing in our going to the front, and was sent to the hospital 
April 21, '63, and after that never was with the Company, though 
not discharged till about the time K was mustered out. He is said 
to have carried mail till a good old age, and spent his last days by 
his choice in the Erie Soldier's Home, Erie, Pa., where he died of 
seniel paresis, July 29, 1896, and was buried there. 



52 History op Company K of the 

20. John F. Gardner, Paris, the Corporal, readily responded to 
his country's call for defenders, and made a fair record for himself. 
Was with K only in the Chancellorsville battle, as after that he was 
on detached duty, and was on Dec. 17, '63, transferred to service 
in the Artillery Brigade. He died in Iowa, Oct. i, 1896. Corporal 
Geo. Hanlin, however, thinks it was in DeKalb County, Ala., in 
which he died. (The members of K had in the 40 years since the 
war closed become so scattered that it seemed impossible in a few 
cases to get definite information. We did the best we could in 
weeks of visiting and many months of correspondence). 

21. Isaac W. Chisholm, Candor, was a soldiet whose bearing 
and manner made a favorable impress upon his comrades; one of 
more than average merit, of good business qualities, liked by all who 
knew him. He was a little poetic in his literary effusions, as a leaf 
from his camp fire reflections will show : 

"Rules and Regulations of the Candor Mess. — ^Donaldson, Mc- 
Calmont, Geary, Chisholm, Will Powelson and Graham. 
Corporal Donaldson is the cook, 

And Captain of the mess. 
He brings the water from the brook, 

And then sits down to rest. 
The other five get all the wood 

And pile it in the corner, 
And would do more if they could 

To crown themselves with honor. 
Profane swearing is not allowed, 

Or vulgar language used, 
Nor 'acts' that would disgrace the crowd 

If we should be accused. 
A member who should break these rules 

Without regard to beauty, 
Shall be kicked out like army mules 

And placed on double duty. 

Official : By command of 

J. W. CHISHOLM, ISAAC DONALDSON, 

Private and Adjutant. Corp'l Commanding." 



I40TH PENNSYI^VANIA VoiyUNTEERS. 53 

He practiced medicine after the war in South Side, Pittsburg, 
where he had been born, until 1877, when with family of wife and 
children he located in New Concord, Ohio. There he died from 
heart trouble, Oct. 20, '97, and was buried in Concord cemetery. 

22. Henry Dickson, Dunningsville, was among those always 
ready for duty. He was wounded in the battle of Spottsylvania C. 
H. Was in hospital till the latter part of '64, when he was trans- 
ferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Soon after the close of the 
war he went west, first to Kansas. He died July 18, 1898, in San 
Diego, California. Buried in the Washington (Pa.) cemetery. 

23. Edward S. Alexander, West Alexander, 3rd Sergeant, pos- 
sessed many of the sterling qualities of a good soldier, never falter- 
ing when duty called to hardships and sacrifices. His business abil- 
ities were often recognized by calls or details to special and some 
detached duty. This took him no little from the Company. But he 
was always found faithful in the discharge of duty. Was wounded 
in hand and arm on July 2, '63, Gettysburg. Tried in the furnace of 
conflict, the war over, he re-entered his work of life with determin- 
ation of success. The writer regrets his inability to get definite in- 
formation of him, though he visited West Alexander in search. One 
thing seemed certain from the cemetery records — he was buried there 
April 26, 1899. 

24. Joseph C. Frazier, West Alexander, was with the Company 
till after the battle of Chancellorsville, May 1-5, '63. After that he 
took sick, was sent to hospital, and was discharged Sept. 30, '63, on 
Surgeon's certificate of disability. And the writer failed to get any 
reliable information concerning him after his discharge. From the 
Pension Bureau it was ascertained that he died Nov. 20, 1900. 

25. William R. H. Powelson, Cross Creek, 4th Corporal, was 
one of K's most faithful and efficient members. He was a model 
in industry and attentiveness to the requirements of camp and field, 
and was ever looking ahead to secure best results and promote the 
best interests of his comrades and himself. He was promoted Ser- 
geant on the death of Hayes, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. He was with 
the Company all through its service, save a few months when he was 



54 History of Company K op the 

in hospital, having been severely wounded at Spottsylvania C. H. in 
the charge on morning of May 12, '64, shot through both thighs as 
he leaped to the top of the rebel breastworks. Was in all the import- 
ant battles. When released from military duty he moved with his 
wife and little daughter to his farm in Dent county, Mo., which he 
had left in '61 on account of the border troubles. His spirit of in- 
dustry and his integrity secured for him a pleasant and prosperous 
home and a good record in citizenship. He died April 16, 1901, and 
was buried in the Laketon cemetery. Lake Spring, Mo. 

26. James E. Cochran, Paris, was nearly all the time with the 
Company. Was absent sick a little, dropped out a little in the severe 
campaign of '64, and was on detached duty some. It was almost im- 
possible to get any data of him after the close of service. James L. 
Noah said he went west to Rock Island, in '65. From the Pension 
Commissioner's records it appears that he died April 7, 1902, of pneu- 
monia, Barnesville, O., and was buried in cemetery there. 

27. John M. Day, Morris Township, was a good-hearted man, 
but seemed physically unable to withstand the hardships of active 
service. This was attested on march to the front and in winter work 
at Falmouth, Va. Before the winter was over he was sent to the 
hospital, and there continued till discharged at Philadelphia, Dec. 12, 
'63, for disability. He led a quiet life in his rural home, died from 
heart trouble May 30, 1903, and was buried in Fairmount United 
Brethren cemetery. East Finley Township. 

28. Benjamin McCullough, Candor, was a man of excellent spirit 
and truly loyal, but was not physically made for a drilled soldier. 
He was detailed April 28, '6t„ as driver in the Ambulance Corps, 
and served a good deal on detached duty. Mustered out with the 
Company. He died of dropsy at his home in Steubenville, Ohio, July 
15, 1904, while the writer was about departing for his home in the 
west, after five weeks of close work in the interests of the Company 
history. He was buried in the soldier's lot in the cemetery. For 
months he was a great sufiferer, and Comrades Sweeney and Lyie 
were attentive to his wants and ministered comfort and aid to him. 

29. George W. Johnson, East Finley Tp., was as true and faith- 




— -s u 



^ 5 >. 



;m 



— o i» 



— o 

-_ ILi ■ 

K — 



-X 



n !i, 



jS ^ 



I40TH Pexnsylvaxia Volunteers. 55 

ful a soldier as K had in its ranks — ever ready for duty. His sol- 
diering was characterized with cheerfulness, a trait that counted 
much in the common soldier experience. He was wounded at Peters- 
burg-. \'a. He was practically with the Company all the way from 
start to finish, and no one more than he enjoyed the Grand Re^^ew 
in Washington City, and no one was more pleased than he to re- 
turn, after the Union was preser^-ed. to the peaceful life of home 
amid friends and in time his own family. He was faithful in the 
common pursuits of industry. The writer greatly enjoyed a visit in 
his home in June. 1904. and when 14 of K met in Burgettstown. Pa.. 
in an impromptu reunion, he was there, as ''happy as a lark." But 
in August, being almost totally deaf, as he was crossing a street at 
a crossing where the electric car line turned, a car struck him and 
the injury therefrom, despite the skill of physician or care of loving 
friends, resulted in his death Sept. 10. 1904. Services were held at 
his residence, 213 W, Maiden street, Washington, Pa., and the body 
laid to rest in the Washington cemetery. 

30. Ulysses S. Wheeler. Eldersville. was a noble-hearted fellow 
and a worthy soldier. He was closely connected with the fortunes of 
K throughout, was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville, May, '63. 
and was wounded in the battle of Todd's Tavern, May 8. '64. After 
the war was over he was delighted in exchanging the weapons of 
strife for the implements of industry : and he ever lived the life of a 
worthy citizen on his farm near Elders\nlle. It was the pri\'ilege 
and great pleasure of the writer in June. '04. to visit him there and 
enjoy a few hours with him and wife. He had been suffering 
seriously from heart trouble, but was jovial and contented. He wrote 
me a cheerful letter just three weeks before his death. How pained 
I was when I received a card from Comrade D. M. Pr>-, dated Oct. 
5. 1904, saying, "Our old Comrade WTieeler dropped dead this morn- 
ing on his porch. He had his team hitched up ready to start to our 
fair" — Burgettstown, Pa. He was buried at Steubenville, Ohio. 

31. Henderson Scott, Paris, was unable to withstand active sol- 
dier life, and was among the first in K to be discharged. This was 
when the 140th was at Falmouth, before its first experience in battle. 



56 



History op Company K of the 



and by a special order of the War Department. He re-enlisted in the 
103rd Reg't, P. v., when it was stationed at Roanoke Island, N. C, 
and remained in garrison duty till the close of the war. Then like 
many a soldier he cast his lot in the west and engaged in mining. 
Was severely injured in a cave-in. When written to in Eagleville, 
California, he replied in a very friendly letter. But in June, 1905, 
(a letter addressed him being returned unclaimed) in answer to an 
inquiry the postmaster at Sierraville, Calif., wrote me that Hender- 
son Scott died in that place Feb. 9, 1905, and that he had been buried 
there. That he had no family. 





Comrades in Colorado 
J. K. Magill 



B. F. POWELSON 



Geo. a. Hanlin 



I40TH PENNSYI.VANIA VOLUNTEERS. 57 



Sketches of Those Living, Jan. 2, 1906. 



And now there remains the mention of the forty-two of old K 
who are Hving. Special effort was made to hear personally from all. 
Letter after letter was written to secure this. Personal visits were 
made to many and efforts made to see others as far as possible. 
These personal interviews were a source of unbounded comfort and 
pleasure to the writer. Everywhere he was most cordially received 
and welcomed. But to the work before us : 

1. Alexander Sweeney, Jr., First Lieutenant, was in December, 
'62, appointed to duty at Division Headquarters, and served on the 
staff of Gen. Barlow, and afterwards on the staff of Gen. Miles to 
the close of the war. He was a genial and popular staff officer. He 
received the rank of Brevet Captain March 13, 1865. Once again in 
civil life, he followed the way of his father in mercantile pursuits. 
For quite a while he was traveling salesman for the Arbuckle Com- 
pany, and was very successful. After that he was engaged some 
little time in the wholesale grocery business in Pittsburg and in 
Youngstown, O. But for the greater part of time in the last 25 
or 30 years he has been associated with an importing tea concern in 
New York; and is a rustler still in that business, with his office in 
Pittsburg, and his traveling extending over a good portion of eastern 
Ohio. "Aleck" still knows a good thing when he sees it ; sohe at- 
tended the G. A. R. Encampment in Denver, Colo., Sept. 4-9, '95, 
and enjoyed a wee Co. K reunion and entertainment provided by his 
Colorado comrades, Hanlin, Magill and Powelson, and visited the 
writer's home, much to his pleasure. And the entire family say, 
"Come again, Uncle Aleck, you're ever welcome!" Capt. Sweeney 
and family live in Steubenville, Ohio. His address is Lock Box 627. 

2. Benjamin F. Powelson, First Sergeant. — Chaplain Milligan 



58 History of Company K of the 

says of him in a college class history, "As Orderly Sergeant of Co. 
K, 140th P. v., for two years he was one of the bravest, quietest, 
most conscientious and faithful soldiers in this crack Regiment of 
veterans. For a long time he not only did the onerous work of First 
Sergeant, but really commanded the Company whilst his superior 
officers were detailed to other duties. He was a slender, delicate 
looking soldier, but he never flinched in the fight. He was promoted 
to First Lieutenant Co. G, 41st U. S. C. T., and was afterwards 
placed in command of Co. I of the same Regiment. He was never 
wounded, though he was always in the front, and participated in the 
battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, Deep Bot- 
tom, Ream's Station, Petersburg, Appomattox and many other 
smaller engagements. He was in the advance line at the surrender 
of Lee, the last in the fight, under Sheridan ; after which he was or- 
dered with his Regiment to the Rio Grande border." He was mus- 
tered out in New Orleans in October, 1865. Col. Moore, editor of 
the Washington Reporter, on hearing this, wrote, "Among the 
thousands of our youth who went out to confront the foes of our 
government on the field of battle, no more worthy was to be found 
than Lieut. Powelson, nor one who will be more warmly welcomed 
on his return." He entered the full work of the ministry, in the 
Presbyterian church, in July, 'dj, and has been ever since in active 
work, in Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. And any of the old com- 
rades will ever find an open door for them and a welcome in his home 
in Boulder. His address is Box 143, Boulder, Colo. 

3. John A. McCalmont was a number one soldier and was atten- 
tive and obedient to every call to duty. He won the high esteem 
of his comrades. He was twice promoted. To Corporal on the 
death of Donaldson, Feb. 14, '63, and to Sergeant when Graham was 
killed, March 25, 1865. He was fortunate in all our engagements 
only receiving a slight wound. He shared the fate of being a pris- 
oner with Ralston and Abe Andrews, 24 of the 140th and 26 of thi 
26th Michigan being taken in battle near Farmville and released the 
third day after, at Lee's surrender. After his return home he took 
up the role of a good citizen and became a happy, prosperous farmer. 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 59 

and the writer, having spent several nights in his home, most gladly 
proclaims Comrade McCalmont and his wife princely entertainers. 
His address is Bulger, Washington Co., Pa. 

4. Silas Cooke, ist Corporal, proved himself a true soldier, and, 
though not of a strong or robust constitution, yet he stood bravely 
the soldier requirements, voluntarily on duty sometimes when he 
ought not to have been. He was practically disabled by a wound at 
Spottsylvania and was in hospital until Jan. 24, '65, when from the 
hospital in Pittsburg, Pa., he was transferred for service in the 6th 
Regiment of the Veteran Reserve Corps, Johnson's Island, Ohio. 
He was finally discharged July 3, '65. Cincinnati, Ohio. After the 
war he resumed his work of education and graduated from college 
and Theological Seminary. Entered the full ministry in the Pres- 
byterian church in '75, and has made an excellent record in the noble 
cause he espoused. His perseverance in scholarly attainments and 
his fidelitv have been recognized in the bestowal on him of the de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity. His address is Red Oak, Iowa, where 
he is pastor of the First Presbyterian church. 

5. John D. McCabe, 2nd Corporal, while willing and ready to 
shoulder his musket in the defense and preservation of his country, 
found himself phvsically unable to withstand the rigors of active 
militarv service, and he was discharged. His few months' associa- 
tion with the members of the Company established in him a strong 
attachment to them, and he enjoys the ''touch of elbow" with them 
still. The writer, in his hunting for the boys and their doings, found 
him actively engaged in mercantile business and enjoying home life 
in Burgettstown, Pa., where he can be found or addressed. That 
he appreciates yet his membership in K was evidenced in his and 
his wife's presence at the G. A. R. Encampment in Denver, and visit 
to each of the three members now living in Colorado. 

6. William Hanlin, 8th Corporal, was a little above the average 
age of the members of K, and enlisted from a deep sense of duty ; 
and with great fidelity he took up the burden of soldiering. But the 
Johnnies' musket balls and shells at Gettysburg put a quietus on his 
active service, and he was sent to the hospital at York, Pa., where 



6o History of Company K of the 

after treatment, he did light duty under direction of the surgeons, 
but they did not report him for duty on account of disabiUty in left 
leg. When visited in June, '04, he was presiding well over an ideal 
farmer's Pennsylvania home, and his true comradship was evidenced 
by large-hearted hospitality. His address is Hanlin Station, Wash- 
ington, Pa., R. D. No. 55. 

7. David McC. Pry, with commendable zeal, earnestness and 
efficiency participated in the services rendered by the Company. He 
was promoted Corporal on the death of his uncle, on the eve of the 
Gettysburg campaign. In the famous charge of Hancock's Corps 
at Spottsylvania, Va., he was wounded. He was cared for at the 
Finley hospital, Washington, D. C. On recovery he was examined 
and transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and the surgeon 
placed him in charge of Ward No. i. He remained in such service 
till all were sent home, or to their different state hospitals, sometin>e 
after Lee's surrender. Then, after assisting the Quarter Master in 
tabulating and turning over to government officials the property, he 
received his final disicharge. Since then the following may be said 
of him : Merchandizing for 32 years ; Notary Public and Justice of 
the Peace 30 years ; ruling elder in the Presbyterian church 30 years ; 
commissioner to the General Assembly of same in Chicago; Re- 
corder of Washington county i885-'87; twice Chairman of Repub- 
lican convention ; twice delegate to Republican State convention ; 
member of Legislature of Pennsylvania i897-'98; member of the 
Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture 1899-1904; at present No- 
tary Public and conducting a successful insurance and general con- 
veyancing business. His address is Lock Box 404, Burgettstown, 
Pa., where he has long enjoyed residence, to the kind hospitalities 
and courtesies of whose home the writer can give ample attestation. 

8. James K. P. Magill was an out-and-out, all-round volunteer 
soldier ; among the lucky ones in nearly every battle and scrimmage 
and never shed blood; full of good nature and of valuable service 
to the Company. He was promoted Corporal July 2, '63, when Will 
Powelson was made a Sergeant. He is justly an heir to a very high 
degree of comradship among the veterans, and he greatly enjoys the 



140TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 61 

same. On muster out he assumed duties of faithful citizenship in the 
old home community until in '88, when he moved with his family to 
Pueblo, Colo., and he there entered mercantile pursuits, winning- a 
comfortable home and a successful trade by his integrity and good 
business methods. You will find him, as of yore, ever in good 
humor, at the Central Mesa grocery, 100 Block P, Pueblo, Colo. 

9. James C. Lyle was a willing, quiet and faithful member ; but, 
not being very robust, he was subject to illness, and was several times 
in the hospital ; and he can relate some interesting and rather stirring 
experiences in these times of absence from the Company ; as when he 
was fitted (?) out in a Washington hospital for going home to vote, 
and when in May, '64, with other sick and wounded, he was several 
days a prisoner under Fitzhugh Lee, and the federal and rebel 
officers had a gala time with the hospital stimulants, and again when 
he, in rejoining Company near Cold Harbor, was so hungry and com- 
pletely worn out on reaching division headquarters about dark, and 
receiving from Lieut. Sweeney beef and hard-tack, gathered sticks, 
prepared and ate his royal meal, the bullets rattling thick about him, 
one wounded near him, and then lay down and slept ; and never more 
glad in his life than when next day he got back among his comrades 
in K. And from that on to the close of the war he w^as with the 
Company. He was promoted Corporal when Graham was made 5th 
Sergeant, March 17, '64, As he was a true soldier, he has ever been 
a true and worthy citizen, successful in farming and happy in home 
life. His address now is East Liverpool, Ohio. 

10. George A. Hanlin was found to be of good material for a 
soldier, and the hospital never got him but for a while in the middle 
part of '63. He had the aptitude of getting his full share of the sun- 
shine of army life, and therefore was a valuable member of K. He 
was advanced to rank of Corporal in the promotion of Ralston to 
be First Sergeant. The rebels had a pick at George, at Spottsyl- 
vania, on May 12, '64, claiming his head, but luckily for him they 
only got a piece of his ear, and he confronted them in the very next 
onset and ever after. Peace established, he resumed work on the 
home farm; but soon moved to Missouri, and in the 70's cast his lot 



62 History ot Company K of the 

in Colorado, first in mining a short time, then in the feed and fuel 
business in Denver, in which he succeeded well. And those who 
were fortunate enough to attend the 39th National G. A. R. En- 
campment can testify to his and family's open-heartedness and gen- 
erous contributions to the comfort and pleasure of all old comrades. 
And he will ever be found the same, at 3800 Palmer street, Denver, 
Colo. And to any comrade coming to Colorado, seeking a home 
therein or the comfort and blessing of its ozone and sunshine, he 
stands ready to give information and aid. 

11. Marshall Wright, though last on the roll, was among the 
first in readiness to respond to all just requirements. He was in hos- 
pital at Washington, D. C, several months after Chancellorsville 
battle. In the terrible conflict on May 12, '64, at Spottsylvania, he 
had a close call. He was shot in the neck. He had a prominent 
"Adam's Apple," and so had enough and to spare and live over it, 
and, after a short sojourn with the surgeon, he took his place again 
in line to hold it till the Company was mustered out. His life since 
has been a success, and he still delights in the comradship of "old 
Company K.' He was promoted Corporal in the transfer of D, M. 
Pry, Feb. 6, '65. His home is in Elwood, Lawrence Co., Pa. 

12. Abram Andrews and his brother Peter were well known 
in the Company as quiet, good men, "boys" as they were called, for 
they were small in stature. Abram was sick some and in hospital, 
but for the most part was with the Company. He received a slight 
wound at Todd's Tavern, but four days afterwards was in line in 
that great day of victory for the 2nd Corps at Spottsylvania, during 
which he and Norris Metcalf helped to carry off the rebel cannon in 
face of desperate firing. He was promoted Corporal to fill vacancy 
as McCalmont was advanced to rank of 5th Sergeant, March 25, 
'65. On April 7th, in battle near Farmville, he was taken prisoner 
along with Ralston and McCalmont. He ever rejoices to say he 
belonged to "dear old Co. K." His address is Latrobe, Athens 
county, Ohio, R. D. No. i. 

13. Jesse J. Morris was one of K's "rooters" (in the parlance of 
modern athletics), a No. i drummer boy, 17 years old when sworn in 



I40TH PENNSYI,VANIA VOLUNTEERS. 63 

and had to "tiptoe it to reach the measuring stick." He enhsted as a 
private and served in the ranks till some time in March, '63, being 
in Co. K's first detail sent out on picket on the Rappahannock. He 
was then put in Drum Corps. He soon was leader of the snare 
drummers, and, when Johnnie Bryan was detailed as Adjutant's 
clerk, he was made Drum Sergeant, and had charge of the Corps 
from that time until appointed Dru niMajor, Dec. 22, '64, and trans- 
ferred to Regimental non-commissioned staff. Was with the Regi- 
ment through all its marchings, campaigns and engagements. Never 
away but 15 days, and that on furlough during winter of '64 and 
'65. Never answered the surgeon's call but twice, and that for chills 
when "we lay in go-for-holes in front of Petersburg, supporting 
Battery 5." His old blue drum hangs in a prominent place in his 
house, bequeathed to his son. He is a "drummer" still, but now a 
successful salesman for A. F. Bannister & Co., cutlery manufactur- 
ers, Newark, N. J. And his home and address is 7514 Kelly street, 
Pittsburg, Pa. 

14. George W. McConnell was enlisted as a musician. Prac- 
tically he never lost a day from service. After the battle of Gettys- 
burg he was left there in charge of three men of Co. H and color- 
bearer Riddle of Co. F. He returned to the Regiment in October, 
when camped near Warrenton, Va. About Jan. i, '64, he was de- 
tailed by Gen. Hancock in Drum Corps, at Division headquarters, 
and was in that till the close of war. He was one of two out of 150 
musicians who kept up with the ambulance train and reported to 
Dr. Wishart, in rear of our line at Petersburg, June 14, '64. the night 
of the crossing of the James. Was at the Grand Review and the 
disbanding of the Company. Returned to old home, but in '71 
went to Kansas, then in '75 back to Ohio, and for 25 years has had a 
good home and prosperous business (black-smithing) in CarroUton, 
Ohio, where he will glady welcome any of K Company. 

15. James B. Allison was very faithful and steady in service. 
He was absent but once, then about four months in sickness, sent 
from Deep Bottom to Chestnut Hill hospital, Philadelphia. Special 
mention has been made of him at Gettysburg. He was conscientious 



64 History of Company K of the 

in trying to do his duty, and wrote me when I sought of him some 
information : "Now after all these years have come and gone, I look 
back from the western slope of life to those bloody days with some 
feelings of pride for having done what I could to save the nation in 
its entirety, and also with sadness as I still remember and think of 
the boys that laid down their lives that the country might live." 
His address is. Prosperity, Washington Co., Pa., via Dunn's Station. 

16. Peter Andrews, to whom reference has already been made, 
was sick and in hospitals in Washington and Philadelphia from 
June, '63 to July '64. He rejoined us in time for the Deep Bottom 
engagement, and was with the Company until the disbanding. Pie 
tells us of what he saw on April 8, '65, near Farmville, on the field 
of conflict where the charges were made the day before in which 
his brother was taken prisoner. The dead lay thick, in some places 
the bodies of Union and rebel soldiers crossing each other. He 
also says that he and Geo. Johnson turned over to headquarters two 
rebel prisoners on that same 7th. When met June 25, '04 at the K 
gathering, Burgettstown, Pa., he was extremely happy, reporting 
himself as having a family of nine children and fourteen grand- 
children, all proud of his army record and associations, his good 
wife affirming "one of the grandest Regiments in the Civil War." 
His address is Mount Oliver, Pittsburg, Pa. 

17. James Arthurs was a good-hearted, trustworthy man, ever 
ready to serve his country. He was not, however, quick to learn 
the manual of arms, or military maneuvers. So he served mostly on 
detached duty as Regimental teamster, and was faithful to duty till 
the muster out. No word received from him directly. His address 
is Toronto, Jefferson Co., Ohio. 

18. Lazarus Briggs was a quiet, good dispositioned fellow, 
somewhat on the reserve, and at times a little hard to understand. 
He was slightly wounded in the back at Chancellorsville. He was 
ever ready for any camp or general soldier duty, but had a special 
dislike to the way the rebels came at us generally. Yet towards the 
last the dislike somewhat disappeared — we all got a little familiar 
with the Johnnies' ways — and he stuck to his post of duty in all 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 65 

service, and was with the Company till it disbanded. He still en- 
joys meeting with his comrades, and lives in comfort and content 
with his family in Houston, Washington Co., Pa. 

19. Benjamin B. Buchanan was characterized with a strong, 
patriotic spirit, and entered the service with best intent. But he 
found that he was physically unable to endure the hardships of stern 
army life. And, after trying to overcome hindrances for some 
months to no purpose, he was discharged for disability from hos- 
pital in Washington, D. C, where he was during our first engage- 
ment, Chancellorsville. His disability was increased by exposure in 
camp duty, and thus far he made sacrifice for the cause, a sacrifice 
he realizes always. And his comrades sympathize, too, with him in 
the loss of his partner in life, who died a few years ago. His home 
is in Paris, Washington Co., Pa. 

20. George W. Carter. Co. K had several sets of brothers in it : 
Will and Ben Powelson ; Abe and Pete Andrews ; George and Harry 
McConnell ; Tom and George Carter ; Joe and Dave Corbin ; Ben and 
Jim Cummins ; William and Isaac Miller ; John and Colin Nickeson ; 
Robert and Dave Pry ; and George and Jesse Sprowls. The Carter 
brothers had a cousin Jesse. All three were excellent soldiers. Tom 
fell bravely fighting at Gettysburg, George was wounded at Spottsyl- 
vania as bravely fighting, but was able to rejoin the Company, and 
then he stayed with it to the end. No direct word was received from 
him, but his address is Millsboro, Washington Co., Pa. 

21. Andrew Chester was one of the most ready and willing lo 
do service in K. He was sure to be in everything going on. He was 
slightly wounded by a piece of shell in his right ankle at Chan- 
cellorsville, and he was severely wounded in left leg June 6, '64, at 
Cold Harbor, Va., and was never with the Company afterwards. 
He was discharged from service when in hospital at Philadelphia, 
July 3, '65. And now in the busy life he is leading, as his impaired 
health and strength will permit, he is eager to embrace every oppor- 
tunity to touch elbows with his comrades, and thinks, as he revel* 
in the memories of our many well-fought battles that nothing too 



66 History of Company K of the 

good can be said in praise of "Old Co. K." His address is Eighty- 
four, Washington Co., Pa., R. D. No. 84. 

22. Ezra Conaway shared in the duties of the soldier as re- 
quired of the members of this Company up to the time when the 
arrangements were being consummated for the Chancellorsville en- 
gagement. On April 26, '63, he was detailed on detached duty and 
served after that as teamster, or in the wagon train department, 
and became a wagon-master, was mustered out with the Company. 
No word could be gotten from him, but D. M. Pry reports his ad- 
dress — ^Monongahela City, Washington Co., Pa. 

23. Joseph A. Corbin was with the Company in the faithful 
performance of his duties till the battle of Gettysburg, wherein he 
was wounded in the leg. He was discharged from the service from 
the hospital, May 20, '65, and returned to his work on the farm. His 
address is Eldersville, Washington Co., Pa., via Hanlin Station. 

24. George Gardner was among a few, who, on the Company's 
being subjected to the ordeal of active duties "on the field" or con- 
fronting the enemy, were found physically incapacitated — unable to 
stand the strain. So he was, on March 20, '63, discharged under 
General Order No. ']'j, War Department. And we were unable to 
get any satisfactory information about him. Obtaining his address 
as Beaver, Beaver county, Oklahoma, letters were addressed to him 
there, which, while not returned to writer, were never answered. 

25. Benjamin F. Hawthorn possessed many of the good qual- 
ities of a true soldier. Prompt to respond to duty's calls, willing to 
share in the burdens of service, taking trying conditions in a good- 
humored way, and devoted to the cause for which he fought, he 
could be relied upon in camp, on march and amid conflict. He was 
wounded by gunshot in right shoulder at Spottsylvania, May 12, '64, 
and thereby disabled for field service, but was, on the wound heal- 
ing, transferred to Invalid Corps, and did duty about hospitals in 
Washington City, from which he was discharged in June, '65. He 
has ever evinced a strong attachment to his comrades, specially to 
those of Co. K. Is engaged in the sale of books, and enjoys home 
life. His address now is Box 199, California, Washington Co., Pa. 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 67 

26. Robert McClurg, soon after the Regiment joined the Army 
of the Potomac at Falmouth, Va., was assigned to duty in the Pio- 
neer Corps, and sustained a good record for fidelity and efficiency in 
that department of service to close of war, being ordered back to 
Company for Grand Review and muster out. Then he went back 
to and has ever enjoyed the peaceful scenes and happy experiences 
of rural life, ever having an open heart for any member of K. The 
writer on a visit to his place, with Comrade Wm. Hanlin, in 1904, 
saw the large apple tree, grown from the two grafts out of the slips 
sent home by him from Virginia, to which reference has been pre- 
viously made. He, too, can tell of some lively scraps with the 
Johnnies, who were always averse to the laying down of pontoons 
or to the construction of roads, etc. His address is Paris, Washing- 
ton Co., Pa. 

2^. Owen McElfish was not a very robust fellow, but wiry and 
well-disposed. He was in hospital during the engagement at Chan- 
cellorsville ; after that, with the Regiment about all the time. Nevei 
had a furlough. Received a flesh wound in leg April 5, '65, but kept 
with the Company and shared in the capture of Lee's hearquarter 
train (or part of it) with flags, money and apple-jack. Of the latter, 
he says two wagon loads, and "we had a good time that night and 
next morning. Adjutant Ray said the 140th could lick the rebel 
army." Since the war closed Owen has managed to take good care 
of himself ; but, in impaired health and strength, he feels the sacrifice 
he has made in the nation's defence. His address is Rainsburg, 
Bedford county. Pa. 

28. Isaac Miller proved to be a good and most reliable soldier. 
At Todd's Tavern, May 8, '64, as stated heretofore, he was wounded 
severely in leg and was left on field ; taken prisoner ; kept a month 
or more, but fractured bone never set ; paroled and sent back through 
lines ; at Annapolis in hospital a while, then sent home to vote, and 
at Pittsburg, Pa., on June 15, '65 received his discharge papers. 
After discharge had the ball taken out, it having lodged in back part 
of limb and had been there for over a year. He is badly crippled, 
not able to do any work. In '84 went with family to Kansas. In 



68 History of Company K of the 

'93 went to the health resort, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he 
now resides. 

29. Enoch Mounts was with the Company, sharing in all its re- 
quirements, up to April, '63, but was in the hospital during the move- 
ments about Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. On opening of 
Gettysburg campaign he was with the guards of the hospital train. 
Discharged Aug. 22, '63. He re-enlisted Feb. 14, '64 in Co. A, 
1 00th Regiment P. V. Wounded in Wilderness May 6, '64, in arm 
and breast. Final discharge on May 15, '65. He is in the firm of 
Enoch Mounts & Son, painters and paper hangers; residence 63, 
Sumner Ave., Washington, Pa. 

30. John W. Nickeson was a very quiet but ever trustworthy 
soldier. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, having a thumb shot 
off, and was unfitted for field service. When wound healed he did 
duty to close of war in the Veteran Reserve Corps. The war ended, 
he returned to the farm, where ever since he has lived a good up- 
right citizen, though of late years in broken health. His address i* 
Claysville, Pa., R. F. D. No. 63. 

31. James L. Noah met faithfully all the requirements of the 
service in the Company until Dec. 17, '63, when he was transferred 
to Battery B, ist Rhode Island Light Artillery, 2nd Corps Artillery 
Brigade. In spring of '64 he was transferred to Battery C, ist In- 
dependent Pennsylvania Light Artillery, holding the rank of Ser- 
geant. Discharged at Washington, D. C, June 8, '65. In July, 
same year, he went with Jim Cochran to Rock Island, 111. Was in 
west till '93, holding while there several positions of trust, but losing 
his wife by death in '91. Is at present in the employ of the Pitts- 
burg Coal Co. He wrote us, "I hold all comrades of Co. K more 
dear to my heart than all the rest of humanity." Address, Box 93, 
Sturgeon, Pa. 

32. Robert A. Pry was practically on duty throughout term of 
enlistment, an evenly tempered soldier, and contributing his full 
share of the good humor of the Company. After battle of Gettys- 
burg he was detained for service at field hospital and other places 
for some little time, and then he rejoined us. At Todd's Tavern the 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 69 

Johnnies gave it to him in the left foot, causing his absence from 
the ranks about two months. Then he favored the Company with 
his presence to the end, and says he can never forget the day when 
old K stood on the sK'irmish line at Appomattox as the flag of truce 
came out in its front from Lee, seeking terms of surrender. He has 
in his riper years been sitting to dispense the laws of his preserved 
country as Justice of the Peace. And he avails himself of every 
opportunity to keep in touch with his old comrades. His address is 
Lazearville, W. Va. (Brooke Co.) 

33. William M. Rea was among the many noble-hearted farmer 
boys in K who at their country's call "hastened to the field of battle," 
"Clif" Hayes, his neighbor, being the first to fall. Will Rea bore full 
his share in sacrifice for the country we saved. At Todd's Tavern, 
May 8, '64, he was shot through the ankle with a musket ball, and 
at field hospital had his foot amputated that night. After he was 
struck he crawled back quite a distance till his knees were all sore, 
and, the line falling back past him, two of Co. B carried him till they 
were ordered by Gen. Miles to leave him and to go into a ravine 
nearby and carry off one of the General's wounded aids, and in a 
short time Gen. Miles dispatched a stretcher and had Rea conveyed 
to hospital. After ten days at Fredericksburg he was taken to a 
hospital in Washington City, where he remained for fully a year, 
and therefrom was discharged May 19, '65. He suffered ever after, 
the stump never healing over, until in June, 1904, 40 years after- 
ward, when in the Mercy Hospital, Pittsburg, he had a reamputa- 
tion, the stump this time healing nicely. He enjoys good health and 
is a good, practical farmer, enjoying neighborship with that ever 
reliable comrade Johnnie McCalmont. His address is Bulger, Wash- 
ington Co., Pa., R. D. No. 50. 

34. William Scott was with the Company nearly all the time, 
having on two occasions been on detached duty a short time. He 
evinced commendable pluck on marches, for though he suffered 
much from sore (tender) feet, he was determined to keep up. His 
fidelity to the company in its strenuous service made strong the tie 
which binds him still to its members. He in days of peace has lived 



70 History of Company K op the 

to enjoy the fruits of victories won. In June, 1904, the writer, with 
Comrade Wheeler, visited his lovely home and enjoyed a royal din- 
ner with him and wife. His address is Avella, Washington Co., Pa., 
R. D. No. 2. 

35. Nathaniel Seese served mostly as Company cook, or in some 
way in the commissary department. He was with us in the battle 
of Chancellorsville, and took part in the Company"s last battle at 
Farmville. Was mustered out with the Company. We were un- 
able to gather any satisfactory information concerning him since the 
muster out, and could not hear from him, having written often. To 
best of word obtained his address is 118 Allen St., 31st Ward, Pitts- 
burg, Pa. 

36. Oliver Staley, with one exception, was practically with the 
Company through all its service. During the Wilderness campaign 
in '64 he was in the hospital and rejoined the Company before Peters- 
burg in time for the Second Deep Bottom engagement in Aug. '64. 
With Comrade Johnson the writer enjoyed a pleasant visit with him 
in his home in West Washington, his address being 67 Canton 
avenue, Washington, Pa. 

37. William Stollar was aonther member of K generally found 
on hand ready for any duty. He was wounded at Spottsylvania, 
May 12, '64, but had his consolation in the fact of having taken part 
in one of the most successful charges of the war, which won for 
Gen. Hancock the rank of Major General in the U. S. Army. He, 
too, very highly prizes his membership in K of the 140th P. V., and 
availed himself of every opportunity to assist in the gathering of 
data for this history. He has ever enjoyed the farm life in the 
community from which he enlisted. His address is Claysville, Pa., 
R. F. D. No. 63. 

38. Thomas Wilkin was only away from the Company from 
Dec. '63 to April, '64, when he was detached as teamster in the 2nd 
Corps Artillery Brigade. He was one of the lucky ones whom the 
rebels could not hit, though often they came "mighty close" to it 
Some say he did get a buckshot in the hand at Todd's Tavern bat- 
tle. He seems to have forgotten it. He lives happily on his farm 



I40TH PENNSYI,VANIA VOLUNTEERS. 71 

"near the church and the school house," in his adopted state — Mis- 
souri, having raised a good-sized family. His love for his com- 
rades never wavers. His address is Kingston, Mo., R. F. D. No. i. 

39. James Worstell never failed to answer to duty's call in K's 
varied experiences so far as the Orderly Sergeant remembers, until 
in that fatal charge under Col. Brody at Todd's Tavern the rebels 
"spotted him," giving him a severe wound in the left knee, and he 
was thereby unfitted for K's further marches and fights. But after 
a nine months' siege in hospitals he did service in the Veteran Re- 
serve Corps three months in Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, guarding 
rebel prisoners, and then in Cincinnati, receiving his discharge there 
July 5, '65. He has enjoyed a good degree of success in life, and can 
boast of having raised a goodly number of stalwart sons of the vet- 
eran, and of having constant touch with members of old K. He can 
speak for himself at 209 Jeflferson avenue, Canonsburg, Pa, 

40. William A. Jackson, of Florence, Pa., was not with the 
Company much, coming in as a recruit just on the eve of the "on to 
Richmond" campaign in '64, and not being able to endure the sever- 
ities of the service was absent considerably, and was discharged on 
the 2nd day of November that year. No answer was received from 
him. His address was given by his sister as Lincoln Place, Alle- 
gheny Co., Pa. 

41. Frank Stiver, of West Virginia, did not enter the Company 
till late in September, '64, and was not known by the writer. He was 
a good soldier, remaining with the Company till its muster out. May 
31, '65. No reply came from him to letters addressed him. His ad- 
dress was given as Harmony, Butler county. Pa. 

42. George A. Reed, of Cross Creek Township, was a recruit, 
but did not enter the Company till Feb. 27, '65, and consequently re- 
ceived his initiation in the final campaign of the war. On May 30, 
'65, by Special Order 136 of Army of the Potomac, he was trans- 
ferred to the 53rd Regiment of Pa. Vols. When finally mustered out 
he settled down on a farm near Eldersville, No reply to communi- 
cations sent him as to data. His address is Hanlin Station, Wash- 
ington Co., Pa., R. D. No. 54. 



72 History of Company K of the 



Recapitulation of Battles, Casualties, Etc. 



1 . — Battles, Skirmishes, Reconnoisances-in-Force. 

1. Ma> 1-5, 1863 Chancellorsville, Va 

2. July 1-4, 1863 Gettysburg, Pa. 

3. July 14, 1863 Falling Water, Md. 

4. July 22, 1863 Ashby's Gap, Va. 

5 I g^^^- 31, jggg ) _ u. S. Ford, Rappahannock River. 

6. Sept. 12, 1863 Culpeper C. H., Va. 

7. Sept. 17-30, 1863 Rapidan, s. w. Culpeper C. H. 

8. Oct. 14, 1863 Auburn Mill, Va. 

9. Oct. 14, 1863 Bristoe Station, Va. 

10. Nov. 29-30, 1863 Mine Run, Va. 

11. Feb. 6, 1864 Morton's Ford, Rapidan River 

12. May 3, 1864 Ely's Ford, Rapidan River 

13. May 5-6, 1864 Wilderness, Va. 

14. May 8, 1864 Todd's Tavern, Va. 

15. May 10-11, 1864 _ West of Spottsylvania C. H., Va. 

16. May 12, 1864 Spottsylvania C. H. Va. 

17. May 21, 1864 Guinea Station, Va. 

18. May 23-26, 1864 Hanover Junction, Va. 

19. May 29-31, 1864 Totopotomy Creek, Va. 

20. June 2-12, 1864 Cold Harbor, Va. 

21. June 13, 1864 Charles City, Va. 

22. June 15, 1864 Petersburg, Va. 

23. July 27, 1864 _ Deep Bottom, Va. 

24. Aug. 14-16, 1864 Deep Bottom, or White's Tavern, Va. 

25. Aug. 28, 1864 Ream's Station, Va. 

26. Oct. 30, 1864 _ On Hatcher's Run, Va. 

27. Dec. 10, 1864 _ Hatcher's Run, Va. 

28. Feb. 6, 1865 „ Dabney's Mill, Va. 

29. April 2, 1865 Sutherland Station, Va. 

30. April 5, 1865 Jettersville, Va. 

31. April 6, 1865 Sailor's Creek, Va. 

32. April 7, 1865 Farmville, Va. 

33. April 9, 1865 Appomattox, Va. 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 73 

2. — (a) Casualities. — Killed in Action. 

1. Thomas C. Hayes Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 

2. Thomas J. Carter _ " " " " 

3. Robert W.Hull " " " " 

4. William H. Miller " '' " " 

5. Jesse M. Spro wis _ '• " " " 

6. John Maloy _ Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864 

7. Jolin W. Tucker *' " " " " 

8. Benjamin H. Cummins Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864 

9. James A. Cummins " " " " 

10. Joseph Guess '* " " " 

11. John Makeown „ " " " " 

12. Joseph Smith Graham — . Petersburg, Va., March 25, 1865 



(b) Died in Service. 

1. John Marshall, Nov. 17, 1862, in Regimental Hospital, Parkton, Md. 

2. John Henderson, Dec. 7, 1862, " 

3. Andrew B. Davis, Dec. 9, 1862, " 

4. Isaac Donaldson, Feb. 14, 1863, in Reg. Hosp. Camp, near Falmouth, Va. 

5. Isaac Golden, April 15, 1863, in Hospital, Mt. Pleasant, D. C. 

6. David W. Corbin, April 21, 1863, Stanton Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

7. William L,. Pry, from wound, May 21, 1863, in Camp Hospital, near Fal- 

mouth, Va. 

8. George Morrow, May 25, 1863, in Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

9. Robert Virtue, from wound, Sept. 9, in Hospital, Baltimore, Md. 

10. Benjamin F. Earnest, Dec. 14, 1863, in Camp, near Stevensburg, Va, 

11. Samuel K. Shindle, March 17, 1864, in Andersonville Prison, Georgia. 

12. Michael Daugherty, March 18, 1864, from kick of a mule, Brandy Sta- 

tion, Va. 

13. Norris Metcalf, March 18, 1865, at home, near Eldersville, Pa. 

14. George Sprowls, May, 1865, drowned in Chesapeake Bay. 



10 



(c) Wounded. 

1. Edward S. Alexander, in hand and arm, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

2. Samuel K. Shindle, and taken prisoner, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

3. Silas Cooke, in right side, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

4. William R. H. Powelsou, in both hips, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

5. William Hanlin, in hand and leg, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

6. Abrani Andrews, slightly in side, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864. 

7. Lazarus Briggs, slightly in back, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

8. George Carter, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

9. Jesse M. Carter, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

. , ^, . i slightly in right ankle, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Andrew Chester, ] ^ ^ i ^ • i r- u ti u t ^^ iopi 
( severe gunshot in leg. Cold Harbor, June b, ll>b4. 



74 History of Company K of the 

11. Isaac Chisholm, in thigh. Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

12. Joseph Corbin, in leg, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

13. Henry Dickson, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

14. Benjamin F. Earnest, in face badly, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

15. James H. Fordyce, thumb shot off, Deep Bottom, July 27, 1864. 

16. George A. Hanlin, in ear, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

17. Benjamin F. Hawthorn, through right shoulder, Spottsylvania, May 12, 

1864. 

18. George W. Johnson, Petersburg, June 15, 1864. 

19. John A. McCalmont, slight in foot, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

20. Owen McElfish, flesh wound in leg. Sailor's Run, April 6, 1865. 

21. Robert Meldon, in face and leg, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

22. Isaac Miller, totally disabled, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864. 

23. Enoch Mounts, in arm and breast, Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

24. Colin Nickeson, in breast, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

25. John W. Nickeson. thumb shot off, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

26. Robert A. Pry, left foot, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864. 

27. Wm. L. Pry, finger shot off accidentally, Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

28. David McC. Pry, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

29. William M. Rea, in ankle severely, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864. 

30. George Sprowls, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

31. William Stollar, through both thighs, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 

32. Johnson Toppin, in shoulder, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

33. Robert Virtue, severely in breast, Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

slightly at Chancellorsville, and again more se- 
verely, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1664. 

35. Thomas Wilkin, in hand, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864. 

36. James Worstell, in left knee, Todd's Tavern, May 8, 1864. 

87. Marshall Wright, in Adam's apple, Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. 



34. Ulysses S. Wheeler, ] 



(d) Prisoners. 

1. 2nd Lieut. Wm. B. Cook, July 2, 1863. Held to close of War. 

2. Sergeant Samuel K. Shindle, July 2, 1963. Held till death in Anderson- 

ville. 

3. Isaac Miller, May 8, 1864, Todd's Tavern. Held over a month and paroled. 

4. George Sprowls, May 12, 1864, Spottsylvania. Held till close of War. 

5. 1st Sergt. George Ralston, April 1, 1865, Farmville. Held till Lee's sur- 

render, April 9, 1865. 

6. Corpl. John McCalmont, April 7, 1765. Held till Lee's surrender, April 

9, 1865. 

7. Corpl. Abram Andrews, April 7, 1865. Held till Lee's surrender, April 

9, 1865. 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 75 

3 . — Promotions. 

Capt. Wm. A. F. Stockton, Brevet Major, April 9, 1865. 

First Lieut. Alexander Sweeney, Brevet Captain, March 13, 1865. 

First Sergt. Benjamin F. Powelson. First Lieutenant Co. G. 31st U, S. C. T., 

Sept. 27, 1864. 
Thomas L. Noble, Quartermaster Sergeant of the Regunent, Nov. 28, 1862. 
John A. McCalmont, 3rd Corporal, vacancy caused by death of Donaldson, 

Feb. 14, 1863. 
Joseph Smith Graham, 2nd Corporal, vacancy caused by discharge of McCabe, 

Feb. 23, 1863. 

David McC. Pry, 6th Corporal, vacancy caused by death of Wm. L. Pry, May 
12, 1863. 

Corporal Wm. R. H. Powelson, 4th Sergeant, vacancy caused by death of T. C. 
Hayes, July 2, 1863. 

James K. P. Magill, 4th Corporal, vacancy caused by promotion of Will Powel- 
son, July 2, 1863. 

William Porter, 7th Corporal, vacancy caused by transfer of John F. Gardner, 
Dec. 17, 1863. 

James K. McCurdy, Assistant Surgeon, 153rd Regt., P. V., Feb. 26, 1864. 

Corporal Joseph S. Graham, 5th Sergt., vacancy caused by death of Shindle, 
March 1864. 

James C. Lyle, 2nd Corporal; vacancy caused by promotion of Graham, March 

17, 1864. 
James L. Noah, Sergeant in Battery Independent Pa. Artillery-, Spring of 1864. 
Corporal George Ralston, First Sergeant, vacancy caused by promotion of B. F. 

Powelson, Sept. 27, 1864. 
George A. Hanlin, 5th Corporal, vacancy caused by promotion of Ralston, Sept. 

- 27, 1864. 
Ezra Conway, Wagonmaster Wagon Train, latter part of 1864. 
Musician Jesse J. Morris, Drum Major and on Regimental non-commissioned 

staff, Dec. 22, 1864. 
Marshall Wright, 6th Corporal, vacancy caused by transfer of Dave Pry, 

Feb. 6, 1865. 
Corporal John A. McCalmont, 5th Sergeant, vacancy caused by death of 

Graham, March 25, 1865. 
Abram Andrews, 3rd Corporal, vacancy caused by promotion of McCalmont, 

March 25, 1865. 



This made the officers at close of war to be : 

Stockton, Captain; Sweeney, First Lieutenant; Cook, Second 
Lieutenant ; Ralston, First Sergeant ; Boyd, Second Sergeant ; Alex- 
ander, Third Sergant; Will Powelson, Fourth Sergeant; McCal- 
mont, Fifth Sergeant; and the eight Corporals in their order: i, 
Cooke ; 2, J. C. Lyle ; 3, Abram Andrews ; 4, Magill ; 5, George Han- 
lin ; 6, Wright ; 7, Porter ; 8, Wm. Hanlin. 



75 History of Company K of the 

Note. — So far as my memory serves me and the information 
given me goes, Comrades Berryhill, Geary, Magill, Porter and Wm. 
Scott were practicall}^ with the Company in all the leading battles 
and were never wounded. Comrades Johnson and Wilkin can have 
about the same said of them, save that they received slight wounds. 
And Comrades Allison and McCalmont missed the Deep Bottom and 
Ream's Station engagements. 

Note. — Mr. Amos Sprowls, of Liberty, Neb., a brother of Com- 
rade Geo. Sprowls, wrote in answer to inquiry concerning George 
that he was wounded and made prisoner at Spottsylvania, May 12, 
164, kept in hospital at Richmond two months; thence sent to 
Andersonville prison ; thence, owing to Sherman's march to the sea, 
sent to North Carolina ; thence, at close of war, sent to Fortress 
Monroe to be conveyed by ship to Annapolis, Md. Three transports 
were loaded ; and one of these, the "Governor," encountered a 
storm on Chesapeake Bay and sank with 1,600 souls. Sprowls was 
among them, as he was never heard of afterwards. A Mr. W. S. 
Crafto, living near Washington, Pa., reported seeing him on his wa\ 
to Fortress MonrOe. 



Supplementary Statement. 



Since forwarding the manuscript for publication, one of our 
number has been summoned from service on earth. He has gone 
to rest. The taps have been sounded. George A. Hanlin died sud- 
denly from heart disease, Jan. 27, 1906, 2 45 p. m., in his place of 
business, Clifton street and West 38th avenue, Denver, Colo. He 
lacked 27 days of being 62 years of age. The funeral services were 
largely attended, being conducted Jan. 30th, 10:30 a. m., in the un- 
dertaker's parlors and at the grave. The Crocker G. A. R. Post, 
Denver, of which he was a member, and the Camp of the Sons of 
Veterans, to which his sons belonged, were in attendance; and he 
was buried in the full honors of these orders in Fairmount ceme- 
tery. The writer delivered a short address, a tribute to the mem- 
ory of a faithful soldier, an upright citizen, a true husband and 
father, an industrious and successful business man, and one beloved 
by all. 



I40TH Pennsylvania Volunteers. 77 



Conclusion. 

Comrades of Company K, a feeling of sadness steals over me, 
as now I am about to lay down my pen. About two years ago, 
upon your urgent request, yet with great reluctance, I undertook this 
work. During these two years four of our number have fallen out 
of ranks, never more to answer to roll call here. How forcibly this 
reminds us that we are all hastening to the last earthly roll call ! By 
and by, and "soon 'twill be," the last one of us must fail to answer. 
It behooves us to be true and faithful to the end — to ever live and 
act that in the Grand Army above, through Jesus Christ our vic- 
torious leader, we may have comradship unbroken and of ever in- 
creasing delight. 

And now. Comrades, I have exhausted my resources in en- 
deavor to serve you in this work of placing in historic record your 
deeds of heroism and works of patriotic sacrifice in the War of the 
Rebellion. Possibly I have been too plain, conservative and modest 
in the language used. But my heart's desire in it all has been to be 
faithful and true to you — to each and all of you. If I had not been 
one of you, I might have indulged in superlatives often. Of one 
thing rest assured, the verdict of the reader will be, "Nothing is 
overstated." 

I feel that I have imperfectly sketched your part in the saving 
of the nation. Your children and theirs to the remotest time will 
ever be proud of it. We can ever emphasize one battle, in which as 
a Company we had our largest experience ; and in which we reg- 
istered our first and greatest loss in "killed in action." It was the 
decisive battle of that greatest of civil conflicts — "rebellion rising to 
its supremest effort and falling fatally wounded." Yes, we can ever 
point with pride to our "trial in the fire" at Gettysburg. And we 
can glory, too, in the magnificent victory won by the 2nd Corps at 
Spottsylvania. Certainly we cannot be charged with undue boast- 



78 History of Company K of the 

ing if we do glory in such expressions as "brave old Co. K !" "The 
fighting 140th Regiment P. V.!" "The old reliable 2nd Corps!" 

We together followed the flag of our country in march and bat- 
tle for almost three years in the Army of the Potomac, till "old glory" 
was triumphant. And we certainly share in the honor a grateful 
nation accords to its defenders. And, surviving comrades, in loving 
remembrances of our dead, with our hearts full of gratitude and 
praise, we do feel proud of what we did, inasmuch, while the years 
have come and gone since we laid down our arms and again took our 
places as citizens, we have seen our beloved country, more precious 
in the immense cost of its preservation, rise to an unparalleled degree 
of success and prosperity. And while we rejoice in this, let us, in 
taking leave of each other, in the end of this book of history, pledge 
ourselves and our posterity to continued faithfulness, to unflinching 
devotion to our nation, even unto death. 



H 1 30 < 



